Third cohort of Robinson Fellows announced

Established as an initiative of the University’s previous strategic plan, the Robinson Fellowships work to support and retain our best early-career academics by creating a pathway towards continuing teaching and research positions.

“Our Robinson Fellowships scheme is now in its third round of supporting emerging leaders who are at critical points in their careers,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Emma Johnston AO.

“This cohort of Fellows again demonstrates the commitment to excellent and innovative research focused on the common good that unites our academic community across disciplines. Their work addresses a truly impressive range of challenges in health, medicine, community wellbeing and our environment. I congratulate our new Robinson Fellows on their success.”

Robinson Fellows are awarded on the basis of track record and potential, as well as their ability to help the University sustain a research community driven by a culture of excellence.

Highlighting the diverse research interests of the 2023 cohort, the recipients are spread across five faculties and schools.

The Fellows will have access to a structured mentoring and development program that will help prepare them to transfer into a continuing academic position, in addition to salary support.

The fellowships are named after Sir Robert Robinson, who was awarded the 1947 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Sir Robert joined the University in 1912 as a 26-year-old organic chemistry academic before returning home to England in 1915.

He made significant contributions to the field of chemistry that led to the successful production of antimalarial drugs.

Funding for the 2023 Robinson Fellowships comes through the Holt Bequest. Eric TW Holt was a World War II veteran and successful grazier who died in 1971, leaving his Marulan property, Arthursleigh, to the University along with a financial bequest.