Melbourne appoints new Dean of Medicine

Professor Shitij Kapur was today named the next Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Health) at the University of Melbourne.

Currently Executive Dean of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and Assistant Principal (Academic Performance) at King’s College London, Professor Kapur will take up the role in October.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Provost Margaret Sheil said the University was looking forward to welcoming Professor Kapur to Melbourne.

“During his nine years in London Professor Kapur has led the highly successful Institute of Psychiatry, overseen the expansion of the Institute to incorporate Neurosciences and coordinated the response to the Research Excellence Framework for health and medical sciences across King’s,” Professor Sheil said.

“Over this period he has overseen a major expansion in the education portfolio of the Institute, has been a champion for equality and diversity initiatives, and in his recent role as Assistant Principal (Academic Performance), has been responsible for developing faculty development initiatives.

“His appointment follows an extensive national and international search and was the unanimous choice of our selection committee from an outstanding field of candidates.”

Professor Kapur said he was looking forward to taking up the position.

"I am delighted to be offered this opportunity and thank the University for inviting me to join its academic community," he said.

“As I have come to know the University, I have been most impressed with the breadth of academic excellence at the Faculty, the brilliance of its students and its commitment to education, as well as the strength of its partnerships with world-class medical research institutes and hospitals.

“I have been lucky to work in some world-leading centres of medicine and the University of Melbourne stands out in its scope, scale and potential. It will be a privilege to serve as the Dean and work with the so many talented colleagues and students to realise the next stage of the Faculty's success.”

Professor Sheil said: “Professor Mark Hargreaves will continue as Dean of the Faculty until Professor Kapur commences his appointment. We are indebted to Professor Hargreaves for his outstanding leadership in recent months and we are grateful he will remain at the helm in the interim.”