Deakin University

Gary Smith

The new deputy vice-chancellor for global engagement at Deakin University in Australia said his immediate thoughts were that he “loved the brand” of the “worldly” university. Gary Smith, who joins from the University of Western Sydney where he had similar roles, added that his own academic discipline of international relations, with a focus on Australia’s place in the world, made the new post a natural fit. Professor Smith said that Deakin and the Australian higher education sector could “overcome the [recent government] budget cuts and sustain and build international market appeal”. While the cuts were “most unwelcome”, the system of funding was still “very sound”. He expected in 2013 to see “the return of growth in onshore enrolments as Australia’s new work rights for international students are more widely appreciated”. He also said he saw opportunities for UK, European and US universities to form partnerships with Australian institutions “to create a springboard” to Asia. The first of his family to attend university, Professor Smith studied political science at Monash University at undergraduate and doctoral level.

Kingston/St George’s

Irene Tuffrey-Wijne

It is “wonderful” to be offered a position with the freedom to explore the impact of one’s research, according to Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, who has been named senior research fellow in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, run jointly by Kingston University and St George’s, University of London. Dr Tuffrey-Wijne, an expert in the palliative care of people with learning disabilities, said that although there had been advances in making more people aware of the field and its societal implications, it was still a relatively unknown area. “Ten years ago, frankly there was nothing in the field of end-of-life care for people with learning disabilities,” she said. “The need for that is recognised more and more now.” She said it often felt as if those with learning disabilities were “at the place now where perhaps the general population were 30 years ago, when doctors never told patients what was happening. I think the problem stems not from staff being unwilling or unkind, but from not knowing.” She added: “A lot of it is about breaking down barriers and ignorance. People from both sides need support.” Dr Tuffrey-Wijne said that it was still possible to “hear stories where someone with learning disabilities isn’t told for several years that their mother has died. People genuinely think it’s kinder not to upset people. Every time I hear a story like that I think: ‘Oh God, my work is not finished!’” Dr Tuffrey-Wijne, who was a nurse before entering academia, has a BSc in nursing studies from King’s College London and a doctorate from Maastricht University.

University of the West of Scotland

Paul Martin

The University of the West of Scotland has announced the appointment of Paul Martin as its new depute principal. Professor Martin joined the university in 2009 as vice-principal (international) and executive dean of education, health and social sciences. The responsibilities of his new role include oversight of the student population and strategic curriculum development. Taking up the post with immediate effect, Professor Martin said he was delighted to have been successful in his application. “With an investment programme well in excess of £200 million underway, this is an extremely exciting time in the university’s development,” he said. “The next stage in our plans will see us focus on our Hamilton campus to provide a truly inspiring learning environment for UWS students in Lanarkshire. I very much look forward to playing my part in this.” Prior to joining the university, Professor Martin was Chief Nursing Officer and director of the health workforce for the Scottish government, where he advised ministers on all matters concerning nursing, midwifery, health visiting and allied health positions.

University of Bath

David Galbreath

The new professor of international security at the University of Bath, David Galbreath, has described his promotion to the position as a “great relief”. “It was my first opportunity to go for a chair…it’s great to strike while the iron is hot, and it feels like you’re really appreciated and valued by the institution.” Professor Galbreath, who has held advisory and consultancy positions in the US State Department, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, said that teaching existing subject knowledge in combination with personal experience was fundamentally important. “When you’re teaching you understand the debates, scopes and methods and this has really informed my research. Engaging with students and policymakers has been a great way to edify, change and move my research,” he said. Professor Galbreath said this was particularly true of his new Economic Research Council-funded research on the development of international regimes to monitor and control biological chemical weapons. Professor Galbreath previously worked at the universities of Aberdeen and Sheffield and obtained his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the universities of Memphis and Leeds, respectively.

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Other changes

The University of Essex has named Lorna Fox O’Mahony executive dean for the Faculty of Humanities. Professor Fox O’Mahony, who takes up her role in the summer, is currently professor of law at Durham University. She brings academic leadership and management experience from positions at Durham and Queen’s University Belfast, and through other roles including chair of the board of directors of the Association of Law, Property and Society.

The University of West London has appointed Deborah Lock director of its business school. Ms Lock, who previously studied at the university, joins with more than 14 years of experience in a wide range of roles focusing on research, enterprise and knowledge transfer.

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Gerry Pennell has been made director of IT at the University of Manchester. He has extensive experience in establishing and leading large IT organisations, most recently as chief information officer for the London Organising Committee of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Glasgow School of Art has appointed Tom Inns director. He is currently dean of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and director of research in the College of Art, Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee.

A University of Salford professor of management in property and construction has been made a life member of the world’s leading network for built environment researchers, becoming only the 12th person in its 60-year history to be thus honoured. Peter Barrett, who specialises in optimising the experience of the built environment - including the design of schools - was presented with the award by the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) at its triennial World Building Congress in Brisbane, Australia.

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