New face on Council
By Margaret Joseph The newly-elected representative of the Institute of Advanced Studies on the University Council, Professor Derek Robinson, said he chose to stand for the position because he is keen to raise the profile of the needs and concerns of academic staff in a time of rapid change within the ANU. The position on the Council fell vacant after the sudden death in October of Professor Alex Rodgers, who was to serve until September 1998. Prof Robinson, who has been with the ANU since 1982, said that, despite his strong feelings about challenges facing the university, he did not consider standing until urged to by colleagues. "There are so many problems that staff have to speak out," Prof Robinson said. "More than ever before, academic staff need strong representation on the Council."  Although the task of representing the ANU's numerous and diverse research interests may seem daunting, Robinson said the remarkable unity exhibited among the staff in their concerns about policy directions will make it easier. Principal among these is the concern that the ANU is allowing itself to be driven by external pressures and forces rather than concentrating on maintaining and developing a first rate university. Prof Robinson, who will serve only nine months instead of the usual three-year term, remains actively involved in mathematical research. Outside work, his major interest is cycling and he won two gold medals at the recent Masters Games held in Canberra.