Human Rights focus for new Research Director

UQ’s Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (APR2P) has appointed a new Director of Research, Professor Tim Dunne.

Professor Dunne, a noted international authority on International Relations, has been an active commentator in the British media on matters relating to Foreign Policy and the UK’s role in a changing world, in particular the Blair government’s role in the Iraq war.

Previously Head of Humanities and Social Sciences at Exeter University, Professor Dunne is no stranger to UQ, having twice been a visiting Fellow in the School of Political Science and International Studies where he is now also Professor of International Relations.

Professor Dunne was attracted to UQ for a number of reasons including the reputation of the School of Political Science and International Studies as a leading centre for studies in International Relations and Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Professor Dunne said he was looking forward to furthering the goals of the Centre in persuading state leaders to protect the human rights of their citizens while also accepting responsibility to protect the human rights of others who find themselves in danger.

“The role of Research Director opens up new possibilities for me to engage with policy communities within the state and in the wider world of humanitarian NGOs," he said.

"I am fortunate to be joining a group of committed and experienced staff in the Centre.”

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Executive Dean Professor David de Vaus believes that Professor Dunne is an enormous asset to UQ and the Centre and brings with him a wealth of experience.

“It is with pleasure that I welcome Professor Dunne to UQ," he said.

"He has a great reputation in the UK as a political commentator and foreign policy analyst as well as a noted academic of international standing.

“He brings with him experience as a senior Head of School at Exeter University, as well as having held executive positions on a number of university and government boards and committees.

Professor Dunne will be an important addition to our senior staff."

Professor Dunne has published widely on human rights, foreign policy (with particular reference to both Australia and the United Kingdom), on the changing dynamics of world order after 9/11, and on the global humanitarian order.

The Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect is funded by AusAid.

Media contact: Naomi Smith (School of Political Science and international Studies) on 3365 3446 or email naomi.smith@uq.edu.au