New position for Professor Peter Rathjen

Monday, 19 December 2005

The University of Adelaide today congratulated Professor Peter Rathjen on his appointment as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

Professor Rathjen, who is currently Executive Dean of Adelaide's Faculty of Sciences, will take up his position next year.

"I congratulate Professor Rathjen on his appointment, and on behalf of the entire University community I wish him all the best," University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha says.

"He is one of the many outstanding scientists at this University and he has made an exceptional contribution across many areas. Like all high-quality scientists, moving throughout Australia and the world is often a necessary part of career development, and we would hope that he will return home to Adelaide at some stage in the future.

"We also look forward to the increased collaboration and cooperation between our University and the University of Melbourne that his appointment will undoubtedly bring."

Professor Rathjen says the decision to leave Adelaide was a difficult one.

"My association with the University has been a very long one - my father was an undergraduate here and is still on staff, and many of my family have also studied and worked here," Professor Rathjen says.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here, from being an undergraduate student through to today. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but I felt it was time for a new challenge in my career.

"I'd like to thank everyone associated with the University, particularly the staff and students that I've worked with over the years, for making my time at the University so rewarding and enjoyable."

The University of Adelaide will begin the process of appointing a replacement for Professor Rathjen in the New Year.

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