Experienced researcher elected to Deakin vice-chancellor role

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY has formally appointed highly regarded internal professor Matthew Clarke as their new deputy vice-chancellor research and innovation.

Professor Matthew Clarke has over two decades experience in the international development sector and is regarded as “one of Australia’s leading scholars in development studies”.

Mr Clarke has been Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Research (DVCR) since the beginning of August, replacing retired Alfred Deakin Professor Julie Owens.

Before acting as DVCR, Professor Clarke was Deakin’s pro vice-chancellor researcher development, a position he has held since 2020.

During his tenure, he led Deakin’s partnership with the Australian War College and co-established the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership which has attracted over $10 million in funding from philanthropic and government donors.

In 2019, Mr Clarke was conferred as an Alfred Deakin Professor for his outstanding and sustained contribution to furthering the University’s research, scholarship and learning goals.

Vice chancellor Professor, Iain Martin said the formal appointment of Professor Clarke would ensure Deakin’s research portfolio continued to lift the university’s standing on a global scale.

“Professor Clarke has an international reputation for his work on religion and development.

“Professor Clarke has also served as chief investigator on various national Category 1 research grants valued at over $3 million, published over 120 academic journal papers or book chapters, authored eight books and edited another twelve.

“On behalf of the university community, I congratulate Matthew on his appointment and thank him for his strong performance and leadership as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research in recent months.”