Intent

To specify the criteria for appointment to a James Cook University Distinguished Professorship.

Scope

All potential candidates for the title of James Cook University Distinguished Professorship.  This does not include Adjunct appointments.

Definitions

James Cook University Distinguished Professorship - a highly prestigious title which is accorded to Professors who have made an exceptional contribution to their field or discipline.

Policy

Purpose

The James Cook University Distinguished Professorship is a highly distinguished title, which is accorded to eminent Professors of exceptional distinction who have made an exceptional contribution to their field or discipline.

Criteria for Appointment

Eligibility for appointment to a James Cook University Distinguished Professorship will be considered with reference to some or all of the following criteria:

1. An international reputation for exceptional research and scholarship as exemplified by a demonstration of sustained high level achievement of scholarly publications, performances, creative works, citations, invitations to give keynote addresses, success in obtaining research grants, election to learned academics, honorary degrees, awards and prizes. Evidence that may be presented in support of this can include:

• publication of books and monographs through publishing houses of high national/international reputation;
• publication of the results of original research and other scholarly endeavours in refereed journals of high international repute;
• publication of the results of original research and other scholarly endeavours in conference proceedings that are subject to peer review and published through publishing houses of high national/international reputation;
• publication of reports commissioned by government agencies and international organizations;
• successful application for patents and licences based on original research and development;
• original designs and executed structures or instruments which result in high professional standing;
• experience in leading successful research teams;
• ability to attract funds from external peer adjudicated grants agencies;
• demonstrated record of editorial leadership in the dissemination of knowledge;
• ability to attract funds for contract research from government agencies, industry and commerce;
• record of achievement in the transfer and application of the results of research and development to industry and commerce, the professions and wider community;
• leadership in the generation of collaborative research and development programs with other institutions including universities, government agencies, industry and commerce;
• publication of advanced textbooks in the candidate's field of expertise through publishing houses of high national/international repute;
• reports on high-level consultancies carried out for industrial and commercial firms.

2. Professional peer recognition of significant achievements at a state, national and international level exemplified by leadership of learned societies and exceptional contributions to continuing education and peer review. Evidence presented in support of this may include:

• high category of membership of professional societies and associations;
• leadership in professional societies and associations as demonstrated by the holding of executive office;
• membership of nationally and internationally recognized honorific societies;
• membership of government advisory bodies, committees of inquiry and boards of management;
• membership of international delegations in the candidate's area of expertise;
• invitations to serve as a referee or adjudicator by major national and competitive grant awarding or award-granting schemes or organizations;
• invitations to serve as external examiner in other higher education institutions;
• invitations to speak at major international conferences;
• invitations to serve as visiting Professor in other higher education institutions or as visiting academic in government departments and agencies;
• invitations to edit special issue journals, books;
• opinion sought by other institutions for their research;
• chair of a major (international) conference;
• invitation to serve as external member on high level selection committees;
• appointments to international journal editorial board

3. Demonstrated evidence that the candidate has successfully guided the development of younger colleagues and postgraduate students through supervision, mentoring, monitoring and collaboration.

4. Demonstrated research team leadership - fostering the research of other groups and individuals in the college/department/institutes/centres and related disciplines as appropriate.

5. Involvement in, and contribution to, activities extending beyond the University, particularly those relating to the candidate's profession or discipline, which reflect favourably on the University; an ability to liaise and communicate effectively with members of the community, and where appropriate, professional and industry bodies in relation to research.

Conditions of Appointment

A James Cook University Distinguished Professorship is a five yearly renewable award. It will lapse immediately on the retirement or resignation of the occupant.

There is no limit on the number of James Cook University Distinguished Professorships which the University may appoint, but the number awarded will reflect the fact that this is a highly prestigious title.

Recipients of the James Cook University Distinguished Professorship will receive a medal.

Related policy instruments

Nil

Schedules/Appendices

Nil

Related documents and legislation

Appointment of James Cook University Distinguished Professorships Procedure

Approval Details

Modification History