The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Melissa Brown, has announced that Professor Nigel Perkins will lead the School of Veterinary Science at The University of Queensland.
Professor Perkins, originally from Dirranbandi, completed his veterinary science degree at UQ in 1984, earning first class honours and a University Medal.
This was followed by a Master of Science at The Ohio State University and a PhD in veterinary epidemiology at Massey University, New Zealand.
He has practiced as a veterinarian in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and has worked as a veterinary academic clinician at university veterinary schools in the USA, New Zealand and Australia.
Professor Perkins started in the role in early October, after serving almost two years as Academic Superintendent and Professor of One Health at the school.
“I have really enjoyed the past two years in the Academic Superintendent role and am excited and honoured to have been appointed as the Head of School. I am looking forward to contributing to the school continuing to be a national and international leader in veterinary science and allied health disciplines,” he said.
Professor Perkins is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of veterinary epidemiology. He has broad experience in investigations of animal health, welfare, production and disease in a number of species including sheep, cattle, horses, poultry, pigs, aquatic species, and wildlife, as well as experience in human health projects.
He has been involved in many short-term projects in Asian countries associated with capacity building in animal health, transboundary animal disease preparedness and response, risk analysis and disease outbreaks.
Professor Perkins has held leadership roles in a number of organisations, including Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC); Australian Biosecurity Co-operative Research Centre (AB-CRC); Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and AusVet Animal Health Services.
Professor Perkins joins the school as it celebrates recent success and prepares for challenges.
“In 2017 the UQ School of Veterinary Science was ranked the number one veterinary school in Australasia and 24th globally by the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities. My goal is to build on this recognition by cementing UQ as the preferred choice for the very best students and staff from Australia and across the world,” said Professor Perkins.
“The school has great facilities and caseload and fantastic students and staff. My predecessors, acting head Associate Professor Jenny Seddon and former head Professor Glen Coleman have left the school in great shape. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to build on the school’s reputation and achievements.”