July 7, 2021

UOW welcomes two new executive appointments

Professor David Currow joins as DVC (Health and Sustainable Futures) and Professor Eileen McLaughlin joins as Executive Dean, Science, Medicine And Health

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is delighted to announce the appointment of two eminent leaders, Professor David Currow FAHMS and Professor Eileen McLaughlin, to the University.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health and Sustainable Futures)–Professor David Currow

Professor Currow joins a newly created portfolio that aims to enhance and develop strategic collaborations with Government, industry, community, and academic partners focused on activities that will positively impact the health and sustainability of UOW's communities globally.

Eminently qualified for the role, Professor Currow has held senior leadership positions as the foundation Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Australia, the Australian Government’s cancer control agency and currently the Chief Cancer Officer, NSW and the Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Institute, NSW, the state’s cancer control agency. He is also a former president of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia and was the 2015 recipient of the Tom Reeve National Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cancer Care from the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia.

Professor Currow has published widely in symptom control, especially in breathlessness and anorexia/ cachexia, and in health service delivery. In 2015, he was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. He currently holds the chair of Palliative Medicine at the University of Technology Sydney and is a co-founder of the Australian national Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration.

Professor Currow’s extensive experience, strong leadership and vision will effectively deliver UOW’s key strategic goals in teaching, research, and scholarship in a newly imagined health strategy embracing the health of our planet and the sustainability of our communities.

His demonstrated experience and strong translational science background have enabled strategic partnerships with the Government, communities, and industry, which will UOW deliver a substantial package of health and initiatives.  Professor Currow will lead the UOW Health & Wellbeing Precinct and a new broader global health strategy.

Professor Currow said, "I am excited to join the leadership team at UOW to work with the Vice-Chancellor and University community to reimagine higher education and the role that it needs to play in improving the long-term wellbeing of all communities.

I look forward to realising the great opportunities and vision that will come from working with industry, government, and the people living in the Illawarra and beyond.”

Professor Currow will join the University of Wollongong in November 2021.

Executive Dean Science, Medicine and Health – Professor Eileen McLaughlin

Professor McLaughlin joins UOW from Western Sydney University, bringing extensive leadership experience to the role of Executive Dean, Science, Medicine and Health, having previously served as Executive Dean, Science and Technology at the University of Canberra, and Director of the School of Biological Sciences at University of Auckland. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at the University of Newcastle.

She is a reproductive and developmental biologist, and her research is multi-disciplinary, with applications ranging from male and female infertility, the development of biosecurity agents, and novel contraceptives for use in domesticated, feral and exotic animals.

Professor McLaughlin currently holds various leadership and honorary positions and has served as Board Member of Science and Technology Australia, and Director of Biological Sciences University of Auckland New Zealand, among several other key positions.

Professor McLaughlin will commence her role this year in September.

Professor McLaughlin said, “I am very pleased to be joining the University of Wollongong–a community of world-class researchers and teachers in STEM and health.

I am looking forward to working together with academic and professional staff across the Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health to support the education, employability, and wellbeing of people in the Illawarra and beyond.”

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson welcomed both appointees to the University.

“I am delighted to see Professor Currow and Professor McLaughlin join the University to become a part of our dynamic and innovative community,” Professor Davidson said.

“David’s extensive leadership and his background in science and innovation complement UOW’s vision to develop a collaborative approach that works with all levels of government, industry and community to provide whole of society solutions.”

“In recent years, UOW has built an impressive foundation for fundamental and translational research capability in a context of regional and global focused health needs. Now Professor Currow’s leadership will take the University’s Health and Wellbeing strategies to new heights,” Professor Davidson said.

“As the world recalibrates after the seismic impact of COVID-19, UOW is committed to leading collaborative solutions to improve health, wellbeing and sustainability strategies.”

Professor Davidson went on to say “Eileen’s expertise in cell and molecular biology is crucial in delivering innovative solutions to address complex health problems.

Her leadership and extensive experience are strongly aligned with our teaching and research programs in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health and our strategic initiatives to promote women's leadership in STEM. She will also bring unique skills and expertise to the senior leadership team."