“It is an immense privilege to serve as the Academy’s 20th President. The world is experiencing rapid and far-reaching social and technological change, and the humanities empower us to think and act creatively, and in managing and adapting to change, we think critically about ways to ensure that innovation can be shaped to improve the lives of all Australians,” said Professor Garton.
Professor Garton’s research expertise is Australian history. He has also published in the fields of American and British history. His major books provide thought provoking insights into areas including the history of medicine, particularly psychiatry, social welfare, war veterans and the aftermath of war, sexuality and the history of higher education.
Professor Garton succeeds Emeritus Professor Lesley Head FASSA FAHA, whose term as President has come to an end.
“The Academy has achieved a number of significant milestones under Professor Head’s leadership, perhaps most notably, the establishment of the new Indigenous-led section for Fellows engaged in Indigenous Studies. This is a critical step to recognising some of Australia’s brightest scholars, particularly Indigenous scholars, as part of our Academy,” he continued.
Professor Garton has also had a long career in University administration, serving as Dean of Arts, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and also as interim Vice-Chancellor, at the University of Sydney. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to tertiary education administration and to history.
Professor Garton will serve a three-year term as President.
