The Australian National University has welcomed four new members to its governing Council, adding new depth and diversity.
The new members are distinguished molecular biologist Professor Suzanne Cory AC, indigenous leader Professor Patrick Dodson, banker and refugee worker Naomi Flutter. The newly elected President of the ANU Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association Ben Niles also joins as a student representative.
“Patrick Dodson, Suzanne Cory and Naomi Flutter are outstanding Australians and ANU is really privileged to have such a pool of talent and experience joining us,” said ANU Chancellor Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans AC QC.
“We have a fantastic spread of talent and a really serious commitment to the institution.”
Professor Cory, a past President of the Australian Academy of Science is a distinguished molecular biologist whose research has had a major impact on the understanding of immunology and the development of cancer.
“I am very honoured to be invited to be part of ANU. I am looking forward to working with the Council to position ANU even more strongly in the Australian scene,” Professor Cory said.
“In my role I will be focusing on areas of science and making sure that we have the strongest appointments possible that will drive the future scientific contribution of this great organisation.”
Professor Dodson, regarded as the father of Australian reconciliation, is one of the nation’s most prominent indigenous leaders.
“It is a great opportunity to be associated with a great university that has contributed immensely to this nation and no doubt will continue to do so in the fields of research and learning,” Professor Dodson said.
“I hope to gain a better understanding of the challenges we face as a nation and ensure our young people are resourced for the future.”
Ms Flutter is an ANU alumna who is currently head of Global Transaction Banking, Australia and New Zealand, for Deutsche Bank. She has previously worked for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Kenya and Nepal.
“It was the experience at ANU that set me on the wonderful journey I have been on over the last 20 years,” Ms Flutter said.
“For me it is tremendous to have the opportunity to give back to an institution that has been so significant in my personal development.”
Mr Niles is the President of the ANU Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association. In 2013 he commenced the Juris Doctor with the ANU College of Law. Prior to starting at the ANU he has worked as an auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers and as Coordinator for the not-for-profit tutoring organisation Embrace Education.
“The appointment to the University Council provides me the opportunity to present perspectives from the post-graduate body and have an ear that is close to the ground whilst also looking toward the overall strategic vision of the university,” Mr Niles said.
“I hope to achieve long term strategic development in the university, particularly in the areas of research and student recruitment.”
