Achievements, accolades and new appointments of Griffith people.

Professor Sue Spence

Professor Sue Spence has joined the University in the new position of Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Student Outcomes). Professor Spence will work to implement Griffith's existing standards of excellence in teaching and learning throughout the University, enhancing the overall experience of students and staff.

She will facilitate a collaborative approach to ensure all students have a productive and enjoyable university experience, graduating with skills that make them highly attractive to employers. Professor Spence has previously held positions as the Dean of the Division of Linguistics and Psychology at Macquarie University in Australia and the Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland.

Dr Heather Green

Dr Heather Green, from the School of Psychology, has been elected national president of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (AACBT). The interdisciplinary association is concerned with maintaining standards of clinical practice and providing professional development for all health disciplines interested in changing human behaviour and/or cognitions.

Membership is predominately clinical psychologists but also includes medical practitioners, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and others. Dr Green has been state president of the AACBT's Queensland branch for the last three years.

Professor Zhihong Xu

Congratulations to Professor Zhihong Xu, Director of Griffith University Centre for Forestry and Horticultural Research, who has been named as a member of the ARC College of Experts. Professor Xu has accepted the ARC CoE appointment in the Engineering and Environmental Science Panel for three years from 1 January 2008.

National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research appointments

The National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research welcomes James St John to its staff. Dr St John is a senior research fellow with expertise in the field of development biology specialising in brain growth and regeneration. Katie Lineburg and Susan Scott are working with James and have also joined the staff of the NCASCR.

Alejandra Vitale previously of the Weill Medical College, Cornell University has also recently joined the staff of the Centre. Dr Vitale is also working in the field of Developmental Biology.

Professor Huib Schippers

Professor Huib Schippers, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre director, has been appointed to the DEST Research Quality Framework panel 13 - Creative Arts, Design and Built Environment.

Professor Schippers will be responsible for contributing to the assessment of research quality and impact in these areas, with emphasis on Australian music research in the period 2001-2006.

Professor Andrew Worthington

Professor Andrew Worthington has just joined the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics from the University of Wollongong, where he held the position of Professor of Finance and Head of School.

Formerly of Queensland and QUT, Professor Worthington was attracted back to the sunshine state and to Griffith University by the Business School's research reputation, lifestyle change, friends and family.

Professor Worthington brings with him expertise in financial market behaviour and makes a valuable addition to the Griffith Business School team.

Carrick Award winners

Griffith University teaching staff won four prestigious 2007 Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching in October, worth a combined $100,000. Dr Ann McDonnell, Professor Bruce Burton and Associate Professor Keithia Wilson are among 24 Carrick Award winners announced vying for the premier $50,000 Prime Minister's Award for the Australian University Teacher of the Year to be announced in November.

Griffith's Deaf Student Support Program also won the $25,000 Services Supporting Student Learning award for Programs that Enhance Learning. Congratulations to all recipients on their success.

Professor Kathleen Daly and Anna Haebich

Professor Kathleen Daly and Anna Haebich (pictured) have been elected to the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. The Academy is an autonomous, nongovernmental organisation, devoted to the advancement of knowledge and research in the various social sciences.

Professor Kim Halford

Professor Kim Halford has been honoured with an Australian Psychological Society President's Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology in Australia. Professor Halford, a clinical psychologist and director of the Griffith Institute for Health and Medical Research and Dean (Research) for the Health Group, is internationally recognised for his research in the area of relationship education and couples therapy. His research also encompasses the dynamics of relationships in supporting people through major life events such as parenthood and serious illness.