The Australian Synchrotron welcomes the appointment of Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AO as Chair of the Australian Synchrotron Company Ltd and the Australian Synchrotron Holding Company Pty Ltd.

Prof Keith Nugent, Director of the Australian Synchrotron said, "Professor Larkins brings a huge amount of experience and is enormously respected within the academic, scientific and medical research communities.  He is a tremendous supporter of the Australian Synchrotron will be a terrific asset to the Board".

Professor Larkins is the former Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, prior to which he was the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne.  Australian Synchrotron Chief Operating Officer Dr George Borg said, “Professor Larkins will bring a wealth of experience to the Australian Synchrotron.  We are looking forward to embarking on a new phase of our development with him”.

Professor Larkins’ appointment follows the departure of Mrs Catherine Walter AM as Chair of the two boards.  Dr Borg said, “We must thank Mrs Walter for her leadership, tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our facility for the past five years.” 

The change in leadership of the Boards coincides with the announcement last week that the Australian Synchrotron will be managed by a new operator, Synchrotron Light Source Australia – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. 

Professor Larkins’ position as Chairperson is effective immediately.

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Rebecca Schepers - Communications Manager
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