Biosciences research and education boosted by new leader

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

The University of Adelaide’s national and international reputation for biosciences research and teaching will strengthen under new leadership of its School of Biological Sciences.

The University has appointed Professor Laura Parry to the role of Head of School, Biological Sciences.

Professor Parry is currently Associate Dean Research & Industry and Professor in BioSciences at the University of Melbourne. She has three decades of experience in higher education, as a researcher, research leader and award-winning educator, and is internationally renowned for her research into the hormone relaxin, with particular expertise in reproductive and vascular biology.

The University of Adelaide is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2018).

The University’s School of Biological Sciences includes two key disciplines: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular & Biomedical Science.

In her new role, Professor Parry will have overall responsibility for the School’s teaching and research efforts. The School is part of the University's Faculty of Sciences.

“We are excited to announce Professor Laura Parry in this leadership role, as she brings an outstanding track record in research, teaching, management, strategy, and in developing partnerships with government and industry,” said the University’s Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Professor Keith Jones.

“Her work at the University of Melbourne has directly contributed to that institution’s success in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) process, in diversifying research funding opportunities, and in promoting research links with industry.

“She is also committed to diversity and inclusion, and has made major contributions towards enhancing the career progression of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

“The University’s new strategic plan, Future Making, has identified health and biotech as a key industry engagement priority, and environmental sustainability as a grand challenge. Our School of Biological Sciences is critical to both of these endeavours, and Professor Parry’s leadership will contribute to our success in delivering on those strategic priorities,” Professor Jones says.

Professor Parry says she’s looking forward to her new role, which commences on 9 September 2019.

"This is a very exciting time to be joining the University of Adelaide,” Professor Parry says.

“The University has an outstanding international reputation for research and teaching in Biological Sciences, especially in providing an excellent student experience. The School also excels in innovative applied research in environmental sciences and biotechnology.

“I look forward to building on and enhancing the success of Biological Sciences at the University, which has an important role to play in the future health and prosperity of our community, as well as to government and industry,” Professor Parry says.

Professor Parry holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Anatomical Sciences and a Master of Sciences from the University of Bristol, UK, a PhD from the University of Guelph, Canada, and a Graduate Certificate in University Management from the University of Melbourne.

During her career, Professor Parry has received three Fellowships (ARC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, ARC QEII Fellowship), authored more than 100 journal articles and book chapters, and has attracted more than $11 million in research funding to her own team’s research, as well as implementing strategies responsible for large increases in research funding right across her faculty at the University of Melbourne. She is a current member of the ARC College of Experts.

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