Professor Anika Gauja appointed ARC Executive Director

Professor Anika Gauja has been appointed to the Australian Research Council as Executive Director for Economic, Social and Behavioural Sciences. Professor Gauja will join the ARC in January 2023 on a three year-term as a secondment from the University of Sydney.

Professor Gauja is currently Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney and is an internationally recognised political scientist and the Lead Editor of the Australian Journal of Political Science. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Emma Johnston congratulated Professor Gauja on her appointment.

“I am delighted that Professor Gauja will be joining the ARC leadership group. She is a highly respected political scientist and leader in our University community. She will play a key role in ensuring the ARC’s approaches reflect the needs of the research community and improve the current research environment. I am looking forward to working with Anika as she takes this exciting next step in her career. And, of course, to welcoming her back to Sydney at the completion of her time at the ARC!”

As one of two new Executive Directors announced by the ARC today, Professor Gauja will join the ARC leadership group to provide expert advice and guidance across the ARC’s core functions and discipline areas. 

The Executive Directors, drawn from academia, liaise with the research community and contribute their expertise to inform ARC programs, policies, and peer review processes. 

“These appointments ensure that the ARC has expertise across the full spectrum of the humanities and social sciences through to the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. This will ensure that the ARC is best positioned to encourage projects that will deliver cultural, economic, social, or environmental benefits to Australia,” said ARC CEO Ms Judi Zielke PSM.