The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia will soon farewell CEO Dr Chris Hatherly, as he moves to a new leadership role in the health sector.
Chris joined the Academy in mid-2019, and has worked with the Board, Fellows and the National Office team to drive significant growth and change in the Academy’s initiatives and its engagement with public audiences, partners and stakeholders.
Some of the Academy’s major milestones during Chris’ term include:
- The 2021 State of the Social Sciences Report on the Academy’s 50th anniversary, with a 2026 Report to be launched later this year
- A podcast series (50 + episodes) that brought Fellows’ research on current topics to over 100,000 listeners
- Engagement with the Parliamentary Friends of Social Sciences
- Implementing the Academy’s Reflect then Innovate Reconciliation Action Plans
- Development of Decadal Strategies for Social Science Research Infrastructure and for Australian Educational Research
- New international activities, including the Boosting Social Sciences for Better Lives in the Indo-Pacific, and the Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies programs
- The award-winning Seriously Social education program of relevant, evidence-based and peer-reviewed teaching and learning materials for Australian schools
- Increased collaborations with government, higher education, private sector and community organisations, and other Learned Academies
Academy President Professor Kate Darian-Smith said that Chris had made a lasting contribution to the mission of the Academy in advancing the impact of the social sciences for the benefit of all Australians.
“Chris has led the National Office team with energy, integrity and dedication,” she said. “His unstinting professionalism and experience in bringing coalitions together around shared goals, and interacting with government decision makers has been highly valued. He will be missed by the Board, our Fellows and the Academy’s partners and friends”.
Chris said it has been an honour to serve as CEO of the Academy for seven years and to support the expertise of its 750 Fellows.
“I joined the Academy with a passion to help elevate Australian social science,” he said. “The opportunity to do so with our Board, our outstanding Fellows and our talented and dedicated team has been one of the privileges of my professional life.”
“The Academy is a remarkable organisation with a long history promoting the work and value of Australian social sciences. It’s been an honour to serve the institution and its Fellows.”
Chris will conclude his role with the Academy on 24 June. Recruitment for a new CEO to lead the Academy’s next chapter will commence soon.
