Professor Kiaran Kirk has been appointed as the Dean of the ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment.

Professor Kirk has been with ANU since 1996, coming initially from the University of Oxford to head the then Faculty of Science’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

He has held a succession of senior leadership positions at the University, and he has been a member of the University Council.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Young AO, said that Professor Kirk is a natural leader and an outstanding scientist.

“He is widely recognised for his teaching and research supervision. He has won both University and national teaching awards and he delivered this year’s ‘Last Lecture’- an award that was voted on by students. I’ve even seen the fan page on Facebook that students have set up in his honour,” says Professor Young.

Professor Kirk’s research is on the biology of the malaria parasite, with a focus on antimalarial drugs and drug-resistance. He has published over 130 papers, held multiple prestigious biomedical research fellowships and been recognised by research awards from several scientific societies.

“Kiaran is, by any measure, a high-achieving academic with impeccable credentials in research, education and leadership. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him as part of the University’s leadership group,” says Professor Young.

Professor Kirk replaced Professor Andrew Cockburn who retired on completion of his term as Dean of the College in April, and who is continuing his research at the University as an Emeritus Professor.