Congratulations to the Dean, Professor Lesley Hitchens, on her recognition at the recent Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Research Excellence.
Professor Hitchens was awarded the Research Leadership Award for her outstanding role and impact in the Faculty of Law, and for her fostered research excellence at UTS.
During her tenure as Associate Dean (Research), Professor Hitchens established policies, processes and practices that have set the Faculty on a firm footing towards becoming one of Australia’s leading law schools. Her focus on research culture is best evidenced by the establishment of the Quentin Bryce Law Doctoral Scholarships, which have quickly become one of Australia’s most prestigious Law PhD bursaries, attracting leading Australian and international law school graduates.
Under her leadership, the Faculty’s research has been ranked ‘above world class’ by the Australian Government Commonwealth Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative assessment 2012, which is above the national average for Australian law schools.
It was an exceptionally competitive field and the Award is a wonderful recognition of Professor Hitchens’ work.