The University of Newcastle (UON) has welcomed an internationally renowned professor to its ranks: Distinguished Professor Alan Hayes.
Formerly the Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, Distinguished Professor Hayes joined UON earlier this month as Distinguished Professor of Family Studies and Director of the Family Action Centre. The appointment represents a significant step in the development of the discipline of Family Studies by UON’s Faculty of Health and Medicine.
In his new role, Distinguished Professor Hayes will lead a well-established team of academics and professional practitioners continuing to conduct innovative, high-quality research and teaching in Family Studies as well as the development and delivery of effective evidence-informed family programs.
Distinguished Professor Hayes was appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2012 for service to the social sciences through the Australian Institute of Family Studies, as a contributor to policy research, and as an academic and author.
He has a prominent national and international academic research and publishing record in the life pathways of children and the role of families in sustaining development, fostering resilience and reducing vulnerabilities across life. He has had a particular focus on prevention and early intervention and effective policies to support families through the life-course.
Distinguished Professor Hayes’s appointment coincides with the University of Newcastle’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015.