In Summary

  • Professor Mia Lindgren is the new Dean of Swinburne’s School of Arts, Social Science and Humanities
  • She joins Swinburne from Monash’s School of Media, Film and Journalism
  • She will bring her experience in media, journalism and health communications to the role

Newly announced Dean of Swinburne’s School of Arts, Social Science and Humanities, Professor Mia Lindgren, brings her experience in media, journalism and health communication to the role.

Officially commencing in August 2019, Ms Lindgren joins Swinburne from Monash University where she was the Founding Head of the School of Media, Film and Journalism.

“Mia’s experience in journalism, media and the education sector is a wonderful opportunity for Swinburne, further positioning the university as a leader in the creative industries and media innovations,” says Pro Vice-Chancellor (Faculty of Health, Arts and Design) Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside.

The appointment follows the Australian Research Council (ARC) Excellence in Research for Australia’s assessment of Swinburne as being above world standard for its research in Film, Television and Digital Media, and Communication and Media Studies.

“Mia’s appointment will only enhance Swinburne’s reputation further in these disciplines,” says Professor Thompson-Whiteside.

Research background

Ms Lindgren has been chief investigator on two National Health and Medical Research Council and two ARC grants, most related to the role of journalism in effective health communication.

She is currently a chief investigator on an ARC Discovery project investigating public engagement and media representation of antimicrobial resistant ‘superbugs’. 

Ms Lindgren is also co-editor of the Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast and Audio Media (Q1)and has a publishing record in journals, conferences and non-traditional research outcomes.

In 2015, she was awarded the national 2015 Anne Dunn Research Excellence Award for her practice and industry-based research.

Saying goodbye

Professor Thompson-Whiteside has also congratulated outgoing and inaugural Dean of the School, Professor Robbie Robertson, who is retiring after many years in the higher education sector.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Robbie Robertson. The School has performed well under his leadership in both teaching and research and I know the staff and students have valued his leadership,” said Professor Thompson-Whiteside.