Leading health researcher to head strategy at Uni of Adelaide

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Internationally eminent reproductive health researcher Professor Julie Owens has been appointed to the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Strategy) at the University of Adelaide.

Professor Owens has had a long and distinguished career in both research and administration.

She is currently Associate Dean (Research) in the University of Adelaide's Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of the School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, and Theme Leader, Early Origins of Health and Disease, in the University's Robinson Research Institute.

Professor Owens is highly regarded in the research areas of pregnancy, regulation of placental and fetal growth and the developmental origins of health and disease.

The appointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Strategy) will see Professor Owens take a key leadership role in planning for the future of research at the University, such as identifying and developing special initiatives, research alliances and partnerships.

"We are extremely pleased to announce that Professor Owens is taking on this role, as her research leadership and prowess has been outstanding and sustained," says the University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Brooks.

"Professor Owens has a deep understanding of research strategy, with considerable experience in managing major research collaborations, generating prestigious outputs, and attracting research funding. She has initiated many key local, national and international strategic linkages in the health and medical science area.

"Professor Owens has had valuable involvement in national and international competitive research peer review, such as with the Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts, the National Health and Medical Research (NHMRC) Academy and various grant and fellowship panels.

"During her time as head of the School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, we saw this area receive the only ‘5’ rating (the maximum) in Australia in both the 2010 and 2012 rounds of Excellence for Research Australia (ERA)."

Professor Owens says: "The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's leading research institutions and I am delighted to be taking on this key role in research strategy.

"I look forward to helping build further momentum in research excellence across all major disciplines at the University, for the benefit of industry, government and the community."

Professor Owens will commence in the role on 15 June 2015.

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