Curtin University has bestowed the prestigious title of Emeritus Professor on three outstanding academics in recognition of their distinguished service to the University.
The title was awarded to Professor Michael Alpers from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Gordon Parkinson from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Professor Jeffrey Petchey from the Curtin Business School.
The Professors are honoured during the University’s ‘50 Years of Innovation’ celebrations – recognising the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened its doors to students in 1967 and evolved into Curtin University in 1987.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the recipients were recognised for their distinguished contributions to research, international reputation and ongoing commitment to the University.
“Professors Alpers, Parkinson and Petchey, have contributed greatly to raising the profile of the University nationally and internationally, and I am delighted they will continue to make a difference in their capacity as Emeritus Professors,” Professor Terry said.
Professor Michael Alpers, is a Professor of International Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences. His extensive research career has focused on infectious diseases, particularly tropical diseases. He has published over 300 peer review articles, and he played a major role in unravelling the mystery of prion disease. Prions are proteins whose abnormal forms cause a group of diseases including mad cow disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
Professor Jeffrey Petchey, is a Professor of Economics within the Curtin Business School. His research focuses on fiscal federalism, environmental economics, public economics, fiscal equalisation and game theory. In 2011, he was appointed a Member of the Commonwealth Grants Commission. He has been recognised for his contribution to national economic policy, and commitment to the University.
Professor Gordon Parkinson, is a Professor of Minerals and Energy Innovation in the Fuels and Energy Technology Institute (Faculty of Science and Engineering). He is an experienced manager and leader in technology innovation with expertise in mineral processing, sustainable energy and nontechnology sectors. He has been recognised for his research and supervision of Higher Degree by Research students.
The title of Emeritus Professor is awarded to a Professor who is within six months of retirement and has demonstrated a distinguished service and commitment to the University.
