USC Australia has appointed Professor Ross Young as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

Professor Young was previously the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at Queensland University of Technology, where he had also worked as Executive Director of the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation.

Prior to that he was the Director of The University of Queensland’s Behaviour Research and Therapy Centre.

Professor Young is a clinical psychologist and is internationally renowned for research that integrates psychological and biological risk factors to better understand and treat mental illness.

He has held visiting appointments at the University of Glasgow and the University of California, Los Angeles, and was recently Chair of Trauma Rehabilitation at the Jamieson Trauma Institute, which was established by Queensland’s Metro North Health in 2017.

Professor Young, who will start at USC in late August, said he was impressed by the University’s interdisciplinary approach to research and the strong potential to build on local relationships with organisations such as the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.

He said COVID-19 had played a part in him accepting the research leadership role at USC, because he had seen regional Australia “step up and deliver” during the pandemic.

“Another factor that has shaped my decision is USC’s strong sense of purpose, which includes an eagerness to partner with industry and the community that we serve to create opportunities,” he said.

“USC has really embraced this. It resonates with my values and is something that we must continue to advance.”

Professor Young said he was keen to amplify the impact of USC’s research nationally and internationally, especially its work in key areas like forestry, oceans, human heath, sports science and sustainability.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the University – its current strengths and its emergent strengths – and getting a better appreciation of where new connections might lie,” he said.

USC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said Professor Young would bring a strong background of executive academic leadership and impressive track record in clinical practice, health and medical research.

“He also has extensive experience in international partnerships, commercialisation and licensing, and research that advances the use of new digital and technological solutions to solve important health and human challenges,” she said.

“As we continue to unlock the innovation of our regions, Professor Young will help us further work with government, industry and community to translate our research findings into impactful outcomes. We are excited to welcome him aboard.”

The role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) was previously held by Professor Roland De Marco who will be farewelled today (2 July) after 10 years at USC.

— Janelle Kirkland, Terry Walsh