THE Australian National University will welcome world-leading neurologist Prof Sir Edward Byrne as a distinguished vice-chancellor’s fellow when studies recommence in February. 

The role will be a part-time fellowship based in the ANU College of Health and Medicine, but Sir Byrne will also chair an expert advisory board to ensure ANU is a top global university.

Recognised as a leader in the field of neurology Sir Byrne, a medical graduate of the University of Tasmania, started his career in Adelaide where he specialised in neurology before being appointed director of neurology in 1983 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne.

In 1992 he was appointed professor of clinical neurology at the University of Melbourne, in 1993 was the founding director of the Melbourne Neuromuscular Research Unit and the Centre for Neuroscience, and in 2001 was appointed professor of experimental neurology at the University of Melbourne.

Sir Byrne went on to leave a strong legacy throughout his 40-year career, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006, a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2014, and he was awarded a Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in October.

From 2009 to 2014 he was also president and vice-chancellor at Monash University, and since 2014 has been president and principal at King’s College London.

He is also the chairperson of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which encompasses 10 million students and more than one million academic and professional staff across 500 member universities in 50 countries.

ANU vice-chancellor Prof Brian Schmidt says the university is delighted by the appointment of Sir Byrne, and the university’s dean of the ANU College of Health and Medicine, Prof Russel Gruen says he “brings vast experience as we embark on a bold new strategy to strengthen education, research and clinical care, and build high-value partnerships with government and health services.”