Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences announces new Head of School
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Azrini Wahidin as Head of School, Social and Political Sciences. As an author, professor, researcher and humanitarian, Professor Wahidin brings two decades of expertise in the social sciences to the University of Sydney.
Having held several senior leadership roles in higher education, Professor Wahidin is eager to share her experience and passion for social justice in this position.
“I believe the social sciences are fundamental in understanding and re-imaging the social world in a way that’s committed to addressing social injustice,” she says. "This role is an exciting opportunity to enhance the capacity and capability of research and teaching at a world-leading university that is committed to excellence, service and the greater good."
I am especially keen to look at ways of co-producing a teaching and research culture where students and staff feel valued, celebrated and connected to the School's direction of travel.
With a background in social justice and criminology, Professor Wahidin is committed to enhancing the University’s existing social sciences programs to foster tangible change through exceptional education.
“The subject areas, research and teaching are the heartbeat of the School,” she says. “By supporting cutting-edge work and enhancing an innovative curricula, we can transform people’s lives and deepen our understanding of the key challenges that confront societies.”
As a leader, researcher and educator, Professor Wahidin embeds social justice in all her work. She is particularly focused on creating a supportive culture that brings more diverse voices into the higher education sector.
“My role is all about creating an environment where academic and professional staff can achieve their potential,” she says. “Whether it’s in research, teaching, management or administration, I encourage a value-led approach with a focus on diversity and inclusion.”
I’m excited at the prospect of working together to place excellence at the heart of what we do, by enhancing the student experience through partnership – leading to a transformative experience for all.
Professor Wahidin established and grew criminology and social justice programs at the University of Kent, Queen’s University Belfast and University of Warwick. She has also held a number of visiting Professorships, including at the University of Tampere, University of Malaya, University of Melbourne and University of Stellenbosch.
She is a Fellow of the British Academy of Social Sciences, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and was recently a visiting Fellow at both The Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest at the University of Stellenbosch, and the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s University, Belfast.
She has served as a panel member and chair for various educational organisations, including the British Society of Criminology. She has also held grants from a number of agencies including the Economic and Social Research Council, the British Academy, the European Commission, the Ministry of Justice and the Northern Irish Probation Service.
Professor Wahidin’s work is grounded in making real change, as exemplified by her nomination for the Stockholm Criminology Prize for her work on the ageing prison population, which led to the first thematic prison review on older offenders in England and Wales. She also embeds her passion for social justice in her life outside academia, having worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as a humanitarian aid worker.
Professor Azrini Wahidin will commence her role as Head of School, Social and Political Sciences at the end of July 2023.
