The University of Queensland will create a new Faculty of Science to give a higher profile to learning and research on climate change, sustainability and other vital scientific areas.
The faculty will begin on January 1, 2009, with aims including broader student career options and better links between enabling and applied sciences.
It will be led by Professor Stephen Walker, who is currently Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (EPSA).
His former roles include Executive Director, Engineering and Environmental Sciences at the Australian Research Council and Principal Research Scientist in the CSIRO’s Division of Marine Research.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the Faculty of Science would bring together areas including the Centre for Marine Studies, the School of Integrative Biology, the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, the School of Earth Sciences and the School of Mathematics and Physics.
These and other components of the new faculty are currently grouped into two faculties - Biological and Chemical Sciences (BACS) and EPSA.
The University committed to reorganise science after Professor Greenfield set the challenge for UQ’s science program to be recognised as Australia’s best and of international significance.
“The faculty’s structure is based on recommendations of a working group which received almost 100 submissions, most of which supported change,” Professor Greenfield said.
Professor Walker said he was excited to be part of an endeavour of tremendous value to UQ students and staff, and to the advancement of science in general.
“UQ is one of the great Australian science organisations, and this initiative will help build its profile as a great international institution for science teaching and learning, research and commercialisation,” Professor Walker said.
Professor Greenfield paid tribute to Professor Mick McManus, who will step down as Executive Dean of BACS on August 1 after 10 years in the post.
No jobs will be lost as a result of the reorganisation.
Creation of the new Faculty has been endorsed by UQ’s governing body, Senate, and its Academic Board.
Teaching and research in engineering, architecture and information and communication technology will continue to go from strength to strength at UQ, in a renamed faculty of EPSA.
Media: Eliza Plant at UQ Communications (07) 3365 2619 or Fiona Kennedy (07) 3365 1384.
