APSIG newsletter no. 59: November 2005

New director for ANU RSPAS

A South Asian political and society specialist has been appointed director of the research school of Pacific and Asian studies (RSPAS) at ANU.

Professor Robin Jeffrey, immediate past president of the Asian Studies Association of Australia, will take-up the position in February, ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said.

'Professor Jeffrey is a highly-respected scholar in his field and has the appropriate qualities to lead what is Australia's premier research centre for Asia and the Pacific,' Professor Chubb said.

'The appointment is an excellent one and our university will benefit from his expertise, experience and enthusiasm in the field.'

Professor Jeffrey is currently professor of politics at La Trobe University. He has written and taught widely on politics and media, and government, economy and representation in Asia, especially South Asia.

Professor Jeffrey said he was pleased to accept to the position of Director of RSPAS.

'The Research School of Pacific and Asian studies is a great Australian asset. It's known worldwide for the quality of its research and for the outstanding scholars it has trained. Its alumni are just one of its treasures.'