Academics recognised for leadership, teaching and research impact

The University has appointed the second cohort of Payne-Scott Professorial Distinctions – Professor Carol Armour, Professor Tim Bedding, Professor Patrick Brennan and Professor Kate Jolliffe – who are drawn from diverse fields in health and science.

The Payne-Scott Professorial Distinctions were established in 2018 in support of the 2016-20 Strategic Plan and to act as a stanchion for its Culture Strategy, augmenting an already robust culture and helping to embed the University’s values of courage and creativity, respect and integrity, inclusion and diversity, and openness and engagement.

The Professorial Distinctions are nominated by their colleagues in recognition of their sustained academic achievement and dedication to the University’s values, and for playing an active role in developing strategic initiatives, and their outstanding contributions to the University community.

The the five-year appointments acknowledge of the work of University of Sydney alumna and academic Dr Ruby Payne-Scott, a pioneer in radiophysics and the first female radio astronomer.

A significant number of nominations were received and, after careful consideration by the selection committee, four awardees were chosen.

Payne-Scott Professorial Distinctions 2019

Professor Carol Armour

Professor of Pharmacology, Executive Director Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney School of Medicine

“In my view, Professor Armour epitomises the characteristics of leadership, mentoring, teaching and distinguished research achievement that exemplify these awards. Professor Armour’s research achievements, largely in the area of asthma, are internationally recognised. She has an excellent track record of publication in high ranking medical journals and a sustained record of competitive grant awards. Importantly, much of Professor Armour’s research has real world impact, being focussed on the treatment of asthma in the community.” Professor Jillian Kril, Associate Dean (Research), Sydney Medical School

Professor Tim Bedding

Professor of Physics, Faculty of Science

“Tim has given strong supervision and mentorship to a generation of researchers in stellar astrophysics, showing great dedication and generosity in supporting their careers. He has a reputation as one of the best lecturers in the University.” Professor Joss Bland-Hawthorn, Federation Fellow, Professor of Physics, Institute of Photonics and Optical Science

Professor Patrick Brennan

Professor of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences

“Professor Brennan has demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, research and supervision of doctoral students. He is internationally recognised as a leader in medical imaging. He has also received University awards for his supervision of research students. Unsurprisingly, he is an outstanding mentor to his students and colleagues.” Professor Sharon Kilbreath, Deputy Dean (Academic), Faculty of Health Sciences

Professor Kate Jolliffe

Professor of Chemistry, The University of Sydney Nano Institute, Faculty of Science

“Kate has made sustained and outstanding contributions across all aspects of academia, providing exemplary leadership, mentoring and teaching. She is a hard working ‘all-round’ academic who is widely respected and admired by her colleagues, and a recognised leader in the Australian chemistry community.”

Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, Professor and Federation Fellow, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science

The 2019 Payne Scott Professors join the ranks of the 2018 cohort which includes Professor Nalini Joshi, Professor Judith Kay, Professor Philip Poronnik, Professor David Schlosberg and Professor Tania Sorrell.

The scholars will engage in activities throughout the five-year scheme to further the impact of the culture strategy. These activities will be communicated throughout the lifetime of the award.