Professor Saikal recognised by Chancellor

Professor Amin Saikal has been recognised for his distinguished service of a high degree and will be awarded the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Contribution to the University at the conferring of degrees at 2pm on Friday 16 December.

Staff, students and alumni of the University whose contribution to the economic, cultural, scientific or social development of Australia or the international community has demonstrated distinguished service of a high degree are eligible for the Award.

Professor Saikal is a Professor of political science and Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies. Since completing his PhD at ANU as a Colombo Plan Scholar, he has served the University for less than 30 years as a scholar, teacher and academic leader.

The Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies was established in 1994 as a result of Professor Saikal's vision that the University play an expanded role in the study of the Middle East and Central Asia. He has sought actively to promote the study of the Middle East to a wider Australian audience, tirelessly contributing to the public debate and to media discussion.