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Forging international research links

23 April 2008

Associate Professor Michael Ackland will continue his research into diverse forms of cultural interaction between Australia and Japan during his year-long professorship at the University of Tokyo.

Associate Professor Michael Ackland from the School of English, Communication and Performance Studies will head to Japan in October after he was selected for a Visiting Professorship at the University of Tokyo.

While in Japan Associate Professor Ackland will continue his research into diverse forms of cultural interaction between Australia and Japan, and on the responses of notable Australian authors to Japanese society.

Professor Ackland said he was very excited about the opportunity to return to Japan, having first visited as part of a research project in 1990.

"Japan is still a great mystery to me," Professor Ackland said.

"I expect it still will be at the end of my term, but I'm sure to learn a lot.

"The Japanese and their culture are just fascinating and it is a marvellous opportunity both to learn more about their country and to kindle their interest in Australia."

Chair of the selection panel Professor Kate Darian-Smith said the position would play a vital role in strengthening academic relations between Australia and Japan.

"This is an exciting and unique opportunity for an Australian academic to live and teach in Japan and to forge research links with international colleagues," Professor Darian-Smith said.

"The position also contributes more broadly to the exchange of ideas and understanding between our two cultures."

Professor Ackland has previously taught in the United States at Columbia University, New York University, Louisiana State University and the University of Delaware.

He is the author and editor of ten books, including his most recent books Henry Handel Richardson: A Life (2004) and Unexpected Encounters: Neglected Histories Behind the Australia-Japan Relationship (2007).

The University of Tokyo hosts the annual Visiting Professor in Australian Studies at their Komaba campus in Tokyo.