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Academy honour for Monash teachers

26 November 2008

Professor Mark Peel

Professor Jeff Goldsworthy

Monash Professors Mark Peel from the Faculty of Arts and Jeff Goldsworthy from the Faculty of Law have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA).

The academy was established in 1971 and is devoted to the advancement of knowledge and research in the various social sciences.

Fellows are elected by their peers based on their contribution to one or more of the social sciences, and their standing internationally.

Professor Peel, from the School of Historical Studies, said election to the academy was a great honour.

"It signals that the senior scholars in your field know of and respect your work and your contributions to your discipline which is fantastic," Professor Peel said.

"Membership of the academy also provides an opportunity and a responsibility to participate in strengthening the links between academic scholarship, public debate and public policy."

Professor Goldsworthy said a fellowship in one of the "learned academies" had always been regarded as an honour, because it was recognition of scholarly excellence.

"It also provides an opportunity to participate in a body that represents scholars and defends the values of their profession in providing advice to government," Professor Goldsworthy said.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Rae Frances said admission to the academy was recognition of the quality contribution of the individual by the highest body of academic peers in Australia.

"There are a limited number of academics admitted to fellow status, and only after rigorous consideration of their work by members of the Academy," Professor Frances said.

"It is a testimony to the high regard in which Monash scholars are held nationally that so many of our academic staff are already members of the relevant academies and that more are being admitted every year."