Honorary doctorate for Professor Pip Hamilton
Deakin University has acknowledged the distinguished career of its former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Phillip (Pip) Hamilton AM with an honorary degree.
The awarding of the honorary Doctor of Science degree to Professor Hamilton recognises his outstanding contribution to Deakin University, to radio astronomy and to the wider higher education sector.
The degree was presented at Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront Campus on Friday, October 5. Professor Hamilton also delivered the occasional address which featured one of his favourite subjects, paradoxes.
Professor Hamilton said it was a great honour to receive the honorary doctorate from Deakin.
“This is a terrific university to be part of,” he said. “What’s going on in research at Deakin is very exciting indeed, but generally, the university is enjoying rapid growth.
“All these recent successes have lifted the university to the situation where it is among the best universities in Australia. Further proof of that is Deakin’s acquisition of a medical school.”
The Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Professor Sally Walker, said: “I would like to pay tribute to Professor Hamilton for his major contribution to Deakin University, in particular to the advancement of Deakin’s research performance.
“Under Professor Hamilton’s leadership, Deakin’s research performance and research profile improved greatly. The awarding of the honorary doctorate recognises that he was responsible for the development of a research culture at Deakin University and it also recognises his support for our researchers.”
Professor Hamilton joined Deakin from the University of Tasmania on July 1, 1997 as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research). He became Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on January 2, 2002. Professor Hamilton also has an international reputation for research in astrophysics and radio astronomy.
“This was acknowledged when the University of Tasmania made him Professor of Experimental Physics, appointing him to the first Personal Chair awarded at the University of Tasmania,” Professor Walker said.
“Professor Hamilton received another honour in June 2006 when he was awarded an AM in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to science and to research.”
Professor Hamilton was a member of the Standing Committee on Research of the Australian Vice Chancellors’ Committee between 1995 and 1996 and was a member of many national bodies concerned with Physics and Research Management.
The degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) was conferred upon Professor Hamilton in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements, his contribution to the Australian higher education sector and his outstanding contribution to research at Deakin University from 1997 until his retirement from the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in August 2006.
Deakin University’s Council also resolved that the title ‘Emeritus Professor’ be conferred upon Professor Hamilton.