UWS announces new partnership with CSIRO

The University of Western Sydney is pleased to announce Professor Rosemary Leonard as the inaugural UWS and CSIRO Joint Chair in Social Capital and Sustainability.

Located within the UWS School of Social Sciences and Psychology and the Behavioural and Social Sciences Group at CSIRO, Professor Leonard will pioneer new research projects for both institutions.

In addition, Professor Leonard will take advantage of CSIRO's expertise in sustainability in the new Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies at UWS, with the potential for students to participate in CSIRO projects.

Professor Leonard says it's an exciting time, with many possibilities for collaboration.

"Both CSIRO and UWS have already collaborated on water provision in India, and there is also great potential to link CSIRO's recent initiatives in urban design and sustainability with the School's Urban Researchers," she says.

"I believe students will also be excited about contributing to nation-wide research programs around key issues such as environmental sustainability, and the effects of major environmental and social changes on communities."

Professor Kevin Dunn, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, has paid tribute to Professor Leonard.

"Professor Leonard is an international expert on social capital, and has strong previous experience in research leadership and mentoring at UWS," says Professor Kevin Dunn,

"Her recent experience working with CSIRO will stand her in good stead, and I wish her all the best in her new role."

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5 May 2015

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer