Professor Michael Archer appointed Dean of Science at UNSW

15 December 2003

The University of New South Wales today approved the appointment of Professor Michael Archer as its Dean of Science.

Professor Archer, currently Director of the Australian Museum, will take up the position in early 2004.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Rory Hume said: "I am delighted to announce this appointment. Professor Archer is one of Australia's most distinguished scientists and has had a long and very close association with UNSW, stretching over more than two decades. He brings to the position a breadth of experience and expertise that will be of immense value not only to the faculty of science, but also to the University's efforts to be recognised as a world-class research institution.

"UNSW's science faculty is recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. I am confident Professor Archer will provide the leadership that will enable the faculty to build on its achievements, in an increasingly competitive environment," said Professor Hume.

Professor Archer graduated Magna Cum Lauda with a BA in geology and biology from Princeton University in 1967 and gained a PhD in zoology from the University of Western Australia in 1976. In a distinguished career as an academic and curator, he has won numerous awards both for his research and for the promotion of science. Among other fellowships currently held, he is a Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales and of the Australian Academy of Science.

Professor Archer came to Australia in 1967, joining the Western Australian Museum as a Fulbright Scholar. He was appointed Curator of Mammals at the Queensland Museum in 1972 and after six years in that position joined UNSW as a lecturer in the school of zoology. He became an associate professor in that school in 1985 and professor in 1989 before taking up a concurrent appointment as Director of the Australian Museum from 1999 to 2003.

Professor Archer replaces Associate Professor Aldo Bagnara, who has been acting Dean of Science since the retirement of Professor Dennis Lincoln from the position of Dean earlier this year.

Contact Details: Judy Brookman, UNSW Media unit, ph 9385 3249, mob 0421 061 251.