Our academics
We attract some of the best academics in the world to Sydney: people whose brilliance, passion and academic rigour drives them to make a difference in their area of expertise. That’s why they make great teachers.
Sydney minds are making a difference wherever you look.
Our scientists are developing cleaner fuels and more sustainable agriculture practices to help tackle climate change. Our doctors are tackling chronic ‘lifestyle diseases’ such as obesity. Our engineers are pioneering innovative ways to use robotics that will improve human safety, while our lawyers are helping to shape public policy to support those in need. And that’s just a tiny fraction of the work going on here.
The high quality of our staff means we consistently rank among the top three research universities in Australia, and among the top 1 percent of research universities in the world. Major funding bodies and donors recognise the strength of our researchers, entrusting us with millions of dollars to pursue the next cutting-edge breakthroughs that will improve and transform our lives.
As a postgraduate, you will be taught by some of these academics, and in some cases have the chance to contribute to their research. They share their knowledge and their passion with you, in a learning environment that transforms your thinking and ignites new ideas.
Meet our academics
Dr Alex Chaves
Tackling climate change by improving livestock feed to reduce methane emissions.
- 01:22 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 12.07 Mb)
A/Prof. Deborah Bunker
When disaster strikes, communications between agencies and real time information is critical for responding effectively.
- 02:36 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 14.05 Mb)
Prof. John Crawford
Understanding soil as the basis of sustainable food for a world economy.
- 02:02 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 12.45 Mb)
Prof. Kate White
Supporting nurses who care for cancer patients and their families.
- 02:55 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 15.74 Mb)
Prof. Liaquat Hossain
Teamwork and coordination within organisations are essential for rapid responses during a disaster.
- 01:27 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 11.71 Mb)
Prof. Maria Fiatarone Singh
Improving the quality of life for an ageing population.
- 02:01 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 12.42 Mb)
Prof. Shane White
Rewriting Black American cultural history from the eyes of ordinary people.
- 01:41 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 11.36 Mb)
Prof. David Hensher
What makes the Business School outstanding is its ability to communicate with industry and government to influence real change.
- 02:05 minutes
- Download video (mp4, 15.06 Mb)
Prof. Richard TrethowanFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
"I want to produce more food with less water: I am interested in developing crop cultivars that use water more efficiently." |
Prof. Roland FletcherFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Department of Archaeology
"The significance of Angkor to modern cities is that the problems that Angkor faced are the same as the problems that our great cities are due to face." |
Dr Penny O'DonnellFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Department of Media and Communications
"What needs to shift is our notion of freedom of expression, which has always been focused on talking, on speech, and not on listening." |
||
Prof. Marian BairdThe University of Sydney Business School
"The lack of women in senior management and on boards is the hot topic in Australian business today. I plan to set up a research project that investigates the most judicious way of improving women's participation in senior business positions." |
Dr Frances ClarkeFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Department of History
"I think American culture is so influential in our modern world – it's both so familiar and so strange that students want to know more." |
A/Prof. Jingdong YuanFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Centre for International Security Studies
"The University has just launched the China Studies Centre, which is very attractive because the University does have a critical mass of China Studies scholars – over 120 members – affiliated with the Centre." |
||
Dr Richard MilesFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Department of Classics and Ancient History
"I like the combination of a prestigious past and cuttingedge future at Sydney. Like Cambridge, the University of Sydney doesn't rest on its laurels but is always striving to remain at the forefront of teaching and research." |
Prof. Rosemary LysterSydney Law School
"The postgraduate Environmental Law program at Sydney Law School is one of the largest in the world. It gives international and domestic students the opportunity to learn from experts in climate change, international law, planning and assessment, natural resource management (including water), heritage and biodiversity." |
