Eminent researcher and educator appointed Curtin senior leader

Curtin University is delighted to announce the appointment of renowned researcher, innovator and academic leader Professor Paul Brunton as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic (DVCA).

Newly appointed Curtin DVCA Professor Paul Brunton

A leading academic in his field of dentistry, Professor Brunton is an active researcher who is renowned as a highly collaborative, thoughtful and experienced leader. He comes to Curtin from New Zealand’s University of Otago, where he serves as Pro-Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Professor Brunton on his new senior leadership role at the University.

“I have been privileged to see first-hand Professor Brunton’s passion and dedication for higher education and the student experience, and I am incredibly happy to welcome him into the Curtin community,” Professor Hayne said.

“Among his many achievements and research successes, Professor Brunton is recognised for championing excellence and innovation in teaching and was instrumental in cementing the University of Otago’s Division of Health Sciences as a national centre of excellence for research, education and healthcare.

“Professor Brunton has a wealth of experience in leadership development and teaching and learning innovation, and is very well-placed to help guide and shape our academic future during these challenging times. Above all, his unwavering commitment to enhancing the student experience through genuine engagement and connection will consolidate Curtin’s reputation for outstanding learning opportunities and job-ready graduates within our strong values-based community.”

Professor Brunton said he was excited to take up the DVCA role at Curtin.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Curtin and am very much looking forward to working with students and staff to further enhance the University’s excellent reputation for academic excellence,” Professor Brunton said.

Professor Paul Brunton is widely recognised for his distinguished academic and research career. In 2018, he was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences, New Zealand’s leading provider of education and research in health and the biomedical sciences, after serving as its Dean of Dentistry for four years. He graduated from the University of Leeds’ School of Dentistry in 1984 and completed his MSc and PhD at the University of Manchester.

Professor Brunton’s research interests include the translation of technology to clinical practice, primary dental care, operative dentistry and the prevention and management of tooth wear.

Professor Brunton will begin his appointment as Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic in July 2022.