Australian research pioneers and thought leaders have been elected as new Fellows of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia based on their distinguished contributions to their fields.  

Among the newly elected Fellows are accomplished experts whose contributions span a wide range of disciplines, from constitutional law and feminist history to urban mobility and mental health policy.  

‘They are the architects of progress and visionaries of social science, and I warmly welcome them to the Fellowship,’ said Academy President Professor Richard Holden.

Fellows are elected to the Academy annually by their peers through a rigorous selection process.

‘The election of these individuals as Fellows of the Academy exemplifies the exceptional calibre of research and scholarship within the social sciences. Their work is not only academically significant but also holds immense practical relevance for shaping policies, improving communities and advancing our understanding of complex societal challenges.’

‘Through rigorous research and evidence-based analysis, social scientists contribute valuable insights that inform decision-making, drive innovation and enhance the wellbeing of individuals and communities.’

The newly elected Fellows for 2023:

Australian Capital Territory 

  • Dr David Gruen AO FASSA | Public sector leader and economist | Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics 
  • Professor James Stellios FASSA | Constitutional law expert and barrister | Professor and Head of School, ANU Law School, Australian National University  

New South Wales 

  • Professor Michelle Arrow FASSA | Award-winning historian and author | Professor of History, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University  
  • Professor James Curran FASSA | Expert in history and international affairs | Professor of History, School of Humanities, University of Sydney  
  • Laureate Professor Jenny Gore FASSA | Improving educational outcomes at scale | Laureate Professor, School of Education, University of Newcastle 
  • Professor Stan Grant FASSA | Leading journalist, author and filmmaker |Professor of Journalism, Monash University and Chair of Yindyamarra Nguluway, Charles Sturt University 
  • Professor Muireann Irish FASSA | Cognitive neuroscientist and dementia expert | Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney 
  • Professor Terry Irving FASSA | Australian labour and political historian | Honorary Professorial Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong  
  • Professor Natalie Klein FASSA | Expert in international law of the sea | Professor, School of Global and Public Law, UNSW 
  • Professor Sharon Naismith FASSA | Expert on dementia, sleep and cognitive function | Leonard P Ullman Chair in Psychology, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney  
  • Professor Adam Possamai FASSA | Sociologist of religion and culture | Professor in Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University  

Queensland  

  • Professor Nicholas Aroney FASSA | Constitutional lawyer and legal theorist | Professor of Constitutional Law, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland 
  • Professor Jonathan Corcoran FASSA | Geography and population researcher | Professor, School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland  
  • Professor AJ Brown FASSA | Integrity, anti-corruption and accountability expert | Professor of Public Policy and Law, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University  

South Australia 

  • Laureate Professor Maureen Dollard FASSA | Occupational mental health pioneer | Director of the Psychosocial Safety Climate Global Observatory, University of South Australia  

Victoria 

  • Professor David Bissell FASSA | Geographer and mobility maven | Professor of Human Geography, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne  
  • Professor Lisa Brophy FASSA | Specialist in mental health policy and social justice | Professor and Discipline Lead in Social Work and Social Policy, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University  
  • Professor Kate McGregor FASSA | History, memory, violence, activism and gender in Indonesia | Professor in Southeast Asian History, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne 
  • Professor Philip Mendes FASSA | Specialist in transitions from out-of-home care policy | Professor in the Department of Social Work, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University 
  • Professor Helen Skouteris FASSA | Expert on women and children’s health and wellbeing | Monash Warwick Professor of Health and Social Care Improvement and Implementation Science, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University  

Western Australia  

  • Professor Billie Giles-Corti FASSA | Urban health expert | Distinguished Professor, VC Professorial Research Fellow, RMIT University 

Get to know ASSA’s 2023 Fellows: Academy’s 2023 New Fellows