Two CASS members join the ARC College of Experts

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Professor Darren Halpin and Professor Brenda Croft are among the 99 new members appointed to the 2024 Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts.

The ARC College of Experts plays a vital role in advising the Australian Government on the national direction of research, identifying research excellence and making funding recommendations under the ARC National Competitive Grants Program.

Professor Halpin and Professor Croft are two of the three outstanding ANU researchers who have been appointed to the College for 2024, joining 96 new members and 220 existing ones—the largest contingent the ARC has convened in more than two decades.

Professor Darren Halpin, a political scientist in the School of Politics and International Relations (Research School of Social Sciences) and Associate Dean Research, sees the appointment as an opportunity to work with other leading experts in ensuring the highest quality research is supported across the country.

“It is an honour to join this highly respected cohort of research leaders. Being a member of the College will provide me with deep insight into the way the ARC operates, allowing me to give valuable advice to my colleagues here at CASS,” he said.

As a First Nations academic, Professor Brenda Croft, from the School of Art and Design (Research School of Humanities and the Arts) is “honoured” to be joining the College.

“I consider that my appointment recognises specific Indigenous Knowledges and creative-led research, supported and encouraged at the ANU. I am enthusiastic to represent both CASS and more broadly, Indigenous Knowledges and creative-led research, while advising the Australian Government on identifying and supporting research excellence,” she said.

“I look forward to working with both First Nations, non-Indigenous colleagues and the ARC supporting core research of the highest quality and greatest impact.”

The ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) will now have three members in this prestigious institution, with the newest appointees joining Professor Tim Denham, from the School of Archaeology & Anthropology in the Research School of Humanities & the Arts.

ARC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Judi Zielke PSM said the ARC College members are “experts of international standing” who contribute to national innovation and deliver significant benefits to Australia.

“Without their contribution we would be unable to deliver high-quality decision making to ensure our investment in research is excellent,” she said.

A full list of the ARC 2024 College of Experts new appointees can be found here.