Two Arts professors elected fellows of the Australian Academy of the Humanities

Two Faculty of Arts academics, Professor Jennifer Milam and Professor Lesley Stirling have been elected fellows into the Australian Academy of the Humanities, Australia's highest honour for achievement in the humanities. They join a cohort of 28 newly elected fellows in recognition of their significant contribution to the humanities, the arts, and the cultural life of Australia.

Professor Stirling works in the School of Languages and Linguistics in the areas of applied and descriptive linguistics and cognitive science.

"I am honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Academy and am delighted to be joining the strong contingent of Linguists and Applied Linguists within its ranks," said Stirling.

"As a Fellow I look forward to making my contribution to promoting and supporting the excellent and important teaching, research and scholarship we engage in within the Humanities at The University of Melbourne and nationwide," she said.

Head of the School of Culture and Communication, Professor Jennifer Milam has been awarded for her work on 18th century art history, Rococo art and architecture, and the history of art patronage.

"It is a privilege to have been elected a Fellow of the Academy and to join a community of scholars who are mutually bound by a commitment to promote the value of the humanities in society today," said Milam.

Professor Denise Varney, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at The University of Melbourne offered congratulations to Professors Milam and Stirling.

"I was delighted to learn of the election of Professors Milam and Stirling, both of whom will be Heads of School and members of the Faculty executive leadership team in our Faculty in the coming years," she said.

"Along with my colleagues I offer Jennifer and Lesley the warmest congratulations on their achievement."

The Academy is one of Australia's four Learned Academies with a 600-person strong Fellowship of experts in the humanities. As the national body for humanities in Australia, the Academy is involved in policy development, expert advice and engagement in the sector.

The University of Melbourne's Professor Joy Damousi was elected President of the Academy in November 2017.

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