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 NAME: BEN WELLINGS
AGE: 33
JOB: CONVENOR, EUROPEAN STUDIES IN THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Where were you born?
Luton, England (the town with the airport).
How long have you worked at ANU?
In my current post since February 2004, but employed as a tutor since 1999 during my PhD (1999-2002).
Currently working on:
I’m researching the politics of history, English nationalism, co-convening a conference on sovereignty in the EU and (hopefully) writing this year’s lectures before the day I am due to give them.
How did you spend your lunch break today?
I met with a curator from the Museum of the Mexican Revolution and showed him around Canberra and then back to my place for lunch.
What’s your favourite place at ANU and why?
I like Chifley Oval as I play soccer there and the view beats playing in Luton.
When was the last time you became lost on campus?
I went to visit a friend in the School of Resources, Environment and Society and became ‘disoriented’ (that side of the campus all looks the same to me).
Favourite place to eat in Canberra:
Dijon, formerly of Ainslie but now in Civic. I have eaten at many hoity-toity restaurants in Canberra and this is by far the best. I also had my wedding meal there and it was great.
Currently reading — what's it about?
How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World by Francis Whean (a defence of Enlightenment-style reason in public life) and The English People by George Orwell (Orwell was an English nationalist of sorts, as well as a socialist).
What couldn’t you live without and why?
My wife Shanti and my son Adi as they make my life into an exciting adventure.
What do you do to unwind?
I don’t unwind as I have a one-and-a-half year old son, but I do drink my own home brew which dulls the pain for a while.
What would you do if you had 24 hours left to live?
Be with Shanti and Adi (this question makes me sad just thinking about it).
If you could change one thing about Canberra what would it be?
Water it more often and open a nice pub with a garden not far from my house.
Who would you like to play you in the film of your life and why?
If the film were to be made in Hollywood, then either Jude Law or Ralph Fiennes, because they would make me look good. If the film were to be made in Bollywood, then Shahrukh Kahn, because he is “King Kahn”.
Who would you most like to go sailing on Lake Burley Griffin with and why?
Nelson Mandela and MK Ghandi because they both prevailed over greater odds. Having said this, Ghandi was a lawyer and you wouldn’t want the conversation to turn to case law, so maybe just Nelson Mandela.
What would you like to know about your colleagues?
On Campus is revamping People@ANU and we'd like to hear from you.
Which questions are your favourites?
What new questions would you like answered?
Are there any current questions you would like to see changed?
Send your suggestions to:
on.campus@anu.edu.au
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