Flinders University has appointed award-winning Professor Raymond Chan to lead its future research endeavours as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), following an extensive national and international search.
In a critical role to Flinders University and the growth of South Australia’s homegrown research and innovation, Professor Chan will commence from 1 January 2024, following the retirement of Professor Robert Saint AM.
With a background in cancer care, nursing, and health services redesign, Professor Chan has an outstanding academic background and a remarkable track record in senior research leadership, having received more than $37 million in research funding and generated some 220 peer-reviewed publications.
Widely recognised for his research leadership, his accolades include the Queensland Premier’s Award for Excellence in Leadership in 2014 and QUT Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence in Leadership in 2018. In 2021, he was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame – the highest honour in the field of nursing science.
Professor Chan joined Flinders University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences as a Matthew Flinders Professor in 2021. He is currently holds dual roles as the Director of the Caring Futures Institute, and the College’s Dean of Research.
Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling congratulated Professor Chan upon his appointment at a pivotal time in the University’s ambitious programme of research advancement.
“With more than 600 researchers addressing challenges of local, national and global significance, Flinders’ research impact has intensified significantly, underpinned by a 140% growth in research grants and contracts in just five years,” Professor Stirling said.
“With extensive experience as a member of the NHMRC Research Committee, an advisor for the Commonwealth’s Cancer Australia agency, and board directorships with a number of national and international organisations, Professor Chan has the knowledge, expertise and academic reputation to spearhead the University’s research impact to the next level.
“It is testament to the talent that Flinders University attracts and fosters that ‘one of our own’ has won this important role.”
Professor Chan will retain a part-time Professorial position within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences where he will continue to make an impact through his own research.
Professor Chan said: “Flinders has always been a leader in innovative research, solving some of the world’s most wicked problems and creating meaningful social impact locally, nationally, and beyond; we are well and truly on track to deliver on an ambitious, future-focussed research agenda, and will continue to strengthen our partnerships with industry and government in advancing translational research in areas of strategic priorities at the State and National levels”.
“Flinders researchers will fearlessly confront the ever-changing environment, be it the extended effects of COVID-19 on the higher education sector, review of university funding mechanisms, or political changes across the region and the world.
Professor Stirling expressed his thanks to Professor Robert Saint AM for his ongoing commitment and visionary leadership that have helped drive the recent transformation of Flinders’ research performance. Professor Saint will continue in the DVCR role until his retirement on 31 December 2023.