Internationally distinguished Flinders University health expert Professor John Coveney commences today (Monday, April 14) as Dean of the newly established Flinders University School of Health Sciences.

Formally established this year as part of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, the School of Health Sciences encompasses a number of multidisciplinary professional and clinical health areas and addresses the emerging issues in public, social and community health, clinical practice and quality of life.

Professor Coveney will lead the new School of Health Sciences and brings substantial leadership experience across multiple health environments, a high calibre research record and a renowned career in health sciences.

Most recently, Professor Coveney was Associate Dean in the School of Medicine. Prior to this, he worked in the Discipline of Public Health in the Flinders School of Medicine and was Co-Director, of the Physical Activity and Nutrition Observatory: Research and Monitoring Alliance (PANORAMA).

Earlier in his career, Professor Coveney worked as a leading nutritionist and dietitian in New South Wales, Western Australia and Papua New Guinea addressing regional, indigenous and international health issues.

Passionate about the emerging opportunities for the new School of Health Sciences, Professor Coveney said the School’s academic programs, research initiatives and contribution to the health and welfare of people in Australia and overseas as vital to the School’s success.

“I am thrilled to take up this new challenge as Dean of the School of Health Sciences, and am committed to ensuring we continue to produce high quality education, research and workforce development programs,” Professor Coveney said.

“Our School is committed to developing interdisciplinary programs of study that foster intellectual curiosity as well as knowledge and transferable skills,” he said.

“Our academic staff includes clinicians and active researchers, many with national or international reputations, who are also involved in a range of external activities within the broader community.

“I intend to build on the strong partnerships established with research organisations and industry to bolster research effort, continue to strengthen clinical practice, prepare work–ready graduates, and contribute to social and community health.”

Professor Coveney holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Murdoch University, a Master of Health Personnel Education from the University of New South Wales and Bachelor of Nutrition (Hons) and United Kingdom (UK) State Registration in Dietetics from the University of Surrey, UK.

He has published more than 150 papers, sole-authored a number of books and worked on major international projects and collaborations attracting significant research and grant funding.

As a founding member of the Council for Academic Public Health Institutions in Australia (CAPHIA), Professor Coveney has been at the leading edge of national public health innovation and development. He is also a member of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Professor Michael Kidd, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said the establishment of the School of Health Sciences is an important step in taking health research, teaching and learning to the next level, and he congratulated Professor Coveney on his appointment as School Dean.

“Professor Coveney is a leader in health care locally and internationally, and is well-regarded by field experts in health, education, government and the community,” Professor Kidd said.

“He is a passionate advocate for the School of Health Sciences, with the knowledge and capabilities to ensure the School of Health Sciences continues to provide innovative health research, education and industry collaboration,” he said.