"Ross River virus affects more than 6,000 Australians every year. If we can find a way to prevent the virus surviving in mosquitoes we can stop it infecting humans.”22 September: The University of Canberra’s new dean of health sees a healthier community as the main aim of the Faculty of Health as it launches new courses to respond to skills shortages, consolidates its research and takes a growing role in delivering healthcare.
Professor Diane Gibson said she was attracted to a role at the University by the bold vision for its future.
"The University’s strategic plan sets out a clear and focussed forward direction, and there is an atmosphere of energy and renewal around the campus," Professor Gibson said.
"This is an exciting time to join the Faculty of Health. The faculty is changing and responding to its environment. We are commencing two new degree programs next year in areas of work force shortage: a Bachelor of Midwifery and a Masters in Exercise Science. And through the Faculty of Health Clinic and headspace ACT our staff and students are taking an expanding role in delivering health services to the community.
"The University of Canberra is known for delivering professional education and applied research and I see huge potential for our research to translate into practical solutions in health policy and health practice.
"What we learn through research can be taught to our students as part of the sharing of best practice, and in turn both teaching and practice will shape the questions our staff pose in their research.
"There is scope to build on the existing relationships between our experts in disciplines from psychology and nutrition through to sports science, which mirrors the trend in health provision for different disciplines to work together.
"Whether it is through training health professionals, making breakthroughs in health research or providing allied health services on campus, I look forward to building on the Faculty of Health’s role in creating a healthier community the capital and beyond."
Professor Gibson is the third of four new deans appointed to the University as part of its ongoing program of renewal.
Professor Gibson has research expertise in a range of areas relating to ageing and aged care, and is currently working on two large National Health and Medical Research Council funded projects on care pathways for older people, with a particular focus on people with dementia.
She is a former senior executive and head of welfare and housing at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. She has worked at ANU, Griffith University and the University of Queensland. She has a BA(Hons) and PhD in sociology from the University of Queensland and is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
