As the School welcomes Professor Francis, we thank former Head of School Adelle Coster for a three-year term characterised by exceptional leadership.
Professor Francis brings with him a wealth of experience as a respected leader and established teaching and research academic. Prior to joining UNSW this month, he spent over four years in management as Deputy Dean, and then Interim Dean, at the School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences at Western Sydney University.
During his 24 years at that institution, Professor Francis held both teaching and research-focussed academic roles, and served for four years as Director of the Centre for Research in Mathematics and Data Science.
Professor Francis isn't a stranger to the School: he received his PhD in Pure Mathematics at UNSW in 1999 under the supervision of Professor Jie Du.
His research focuses on the development and application of ideas from pure mathematics (algebra and combinatorics) in the context of other areas, such as evolutionary biology and statistics.
"I welcome Professor Andrew Francis as the new Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics", said Deputy Head of School Professor Josef Dick.
"As he steps into this pivotal role, Andrew is currently familiarising himself with the intricate workings of our School. Andrew's leadership is essential as we continue to navigate the complexities of our operations and make strategic decisions that will impact our future."
"I'm very excited to have joined the School, and am keen to meet you all and to find the way to have the most positive impact I can.
"I'm very grateful for the warm welcome I've received, and in particular the careful and generous advice I've been receiving from Adelle Coster. It's clear she's left me big shoes to fill, but also clear how much she cares about the School and seeing it prosper, and how effective she has been as an advocate for our disciplines within the University and beyond" -- Professor Andrew Francis
As we welcome Professor Andrew Francis, we thank Professor Adelle Coster for her exceptional leadership during her three-year tenure as Head of UNSW Mathematics and Statistics. Professor Coster has been an unwavering and passionate advocate for our disciplines and people, and the School has thrived under her management.
"Under her leadership, the School has not only maintained but also solidified its reputation as the foremost School of Mathematics and Statistics in Australia" -- Professor Josef Dick.
"Her strategic vision led to the conversion of many eligible fixed-term contracts into permanent positions, enhancing our School's ability to deliver high quality teaching at a large scale. During the challenging times of the pandemic, Adelle's decisive and compassionate leadership was instrumental", continued Professor Josef Dick.
"As HoS she also strongly supported the Do The Maths program, which she founded together with Catherine Greenhill and Inge Koch in 2005, that has now grown to over 800 participants in person and online - and now even includes international participants.
"We are deeply grateful for Adelle's insightful and empathetic guidance, which has ensured that the School not only navigated the complexities of physical assessments but also thrived academically and socially during her tenure".
