A world-leader in human movement and motor neuroscience research has been appointed as the Dean of Graduate Research at USC Australia.

Professor Stephan Riek said he was excited to this week take up the role of leading USC’s newly established Graduate Research School.

“A key focus will be on continuing to grow USC’s Higher Degree Research program through building partnerships, with an emphasis on outstanding student experience and support for advisor development,” said Professor Riek, the former Deputy Dean of the University of Queensland Graduate School.

USC’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Roland De Marco said Professor Riek was an experienced academic leader and researcher with strong credentials.

“He brings to USC a wealth of experience and strategic ideas to serve our Higher Degree by Research student and supervisor community through USC’s new Graduate Research School,” Professor De Marco said.

“Professor Riek is committed to graduate research, with experience in developing innovative international and industry-based partnerships for postgraduate research students.”

As Deputy Dean of UQ’s Graduate School, Professor Riek was responsible for about 4,500 Higher Degree by Research candidates across all disciplines, coordinating skills training and the strategic management of external international partnerships such as joint doctoral degrees.

He has also previously worked as Co-Director of the UQ Centre for Exercise and Healthy Brain Ageing and founding Director of the Centre for Sensorimotor Performance.

Professor Riek has published over 100 papers in international scientific journals and was a recipient of a prestigious Australian Research Council QEII Fellowship to undertake research of national and international significance.

He has gained more than $7.5 million in competitive research grants and conducts collaborative research with industry partners including Boeing Research and Technology - Australia.

Professor De Marco said Professor Riek would continue his world-leading research in human movement and neuroplasticity, adding to USC’s existing strengths in Sports Science and Neuroscience.

“This will also enable him to exercise leadership by example as he focuses on strengthening the research environment and experience of our Higher Degree by Research students,” Professor De Marco said.

— Clare McKay