Flinders University is pleased to welcome Professor Michael Kyrios as inaugural Vice-President and Executive Dean in its new College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.
Professor Kyrios will commence with Flinders University on 5 February 2018.
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says Professor Kyrios brings with him world-class expertise in clinical psychology and an outstanding record of published research for which he has been awarded almost $19 million in grant funding.
Professor Kyrios comes to Flinders from the Australian National University where he has been Director of the Research School of Psychology in the College of Medicine, Biology and Environment for more than three years.
He has previously held major academic posts at the University of Melbourne and Swinburne University of Technology where he was Director of the Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre and the National e-Therapy Centre, working with a range of disciplines to establish research facilities and capabilities.
He has wide-ranging research interests in obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, chronic medical illnesses, evidence-based psychological treatments, digital mental health and self-resilience.
“Professor Kyrios brings an interdisciplinary and relational approach to teaching and research at a time when we are endeavouring to make a difference to life quality across the life-span and support inter-generational learning and wellbeing,” Professor Stirling says.
“His proven track record in leading initiatives related to social cohesion, climate change, Indigenous wellbeing and community mental health makes him a valued asset to our College of Education, Psychology and Social Work as we strive to reach new benchmarks in social justice and innovative practice.”
A former President of the Australian Psychological Society, Professor Kyrios is also a past recipient of the Ian M Campbell Memorial Prize in Clinical Psychology and has been honoured with a Citation for Excellence from the Society for General Psychology (Division 1, American Psychological Association).
Professor Kyrios says he is delighted to have the opportunity to spearhead such a dynamic and future-focused College and looks forward to playing a key role in its growth.
“Flinders has an international reputation for cultivating bright minds and applying a high level of intellectual rigour to complex social issues, and I am excited about increasing Flinders’ impact in the humanist disciplines.
“My goal is to help staff and students of the College contribute meaningfully to an equitable society through imaginative, lateral thinking that has the power to construct new knowledge, transcend disruption, and forge vibrant, enduring partnerships with each other and the community.
“I am grateful to Flinders for appointing me to this inaugural role and giving me the chance to help the University realise the ambitions of its 2025 Agenda,” Professor Kyrios.