Passion for the Tropics guides JCU’s new academic leader

Professor Iain Gordon has begun his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, based at JCU’s Townsville Campus.

“This opportunity really excites me, as I am committed to supporting sustainable development, particularly in developing countries, through education and research, and creating the environment in which both staff and students can achieve their best,” Professor Gordon said.

He has previously worked in Townsville for the CSIRO in a number of roles between 2003 and 2010.

One of Prof Gordon’s lasting contributions from his time with the CSIRO was his outstanding work towards the establishment of the Australian Tropical Science Innovation Precinct (ATSIP).

ATSIP is a world-class tropical research hub located at JCU's Townsville campus.

“I have spent my life working with people and environments in the Tropics, I was brought up in the Tropics, and I want to see the Tropics prosper.”

“That can only happen through an educated society, and that is why James Cook University has such an important role to play.”

In 2010 Iain Gordon accepted the challenging role of merging Scotland’s two agricultural research centres, the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Macaulay Institute.

The merger gave rise to a new entity, the James Hutton Institute, of which Iain was CEO and Director until taking up this role. The organisation is Europe’s largest agri-environment research institute.

Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Cocklin said Iain Gordon has an outstanding research record, broadly in the field of terrestrial ecology.

“His research features collaboration with a broad range of scholars, extending from ecology through the social sciences, economics and education,” Professor Cocklin said.

“I am sure Iain will bring new energy and vision to the Division of Tropical Environments and Societies and I look forward to working with him in this role.”

Images of Prof Gordon are available at:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rd3hglyol146s9o/AACJj4oQ7NeW5FaPVu86Hb-7a?dl=0