Alumni launch message

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the first edition of the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Alumni Community Newsletter. This edition outlines recent activities and developments and provides a forum for past members to catch up and share their experiences.

Our School has a rich history, spanning over 70 years, which means there are many alumni who we want to connect with. In order to do so, we are establishing the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Alumni Community, which we hope to build into one of the strongest and most impactful alumni communities here at the University of Melbourne.

Regardless of where life takes you, we hope that your relationship with the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences can help you continue to develop your career, continue your learning, and provide opportunities for you to contribute to the global impact of our School.  In 2018/19, we will be launching a number of networking events aimed at different alumni cohorts, and we look forward to inviting you back to campus to join us at these.

Our research profile continues to grow both locally and internationally with the establishment of our research hub model, which aims to provide structure to our vast body of research. You will find more information about our research hubs on our website.

I would like to extend my warm congratulations to those students and alumni recognised at the 2018 Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Awards night. Presented at a ceremony held at the Newman College, these awards celebrate the achievements of our students. Highlights included a memorable address by Dr Judi Humberstone, the second awarding of the Molloy Medal – in the presence of many members of the Molloy family – to James McDonald, and the inaugural presentation of the Elgin Prize, for the top graduating MPsych (Clinical) student, to Mirra Seigerman.

We have also had wonderful success with our May Lecture Series which saw a range of distinguished academics from the School speaking on topics on ADHD, the illusion of time, human and artificial intelligence and emotional stability. Recordings of these events can be viewed here.

On Tuesday 9 October, we are launching our PsychTalks public engagement program. PsychTalks showcases dynamic speakers through a number of community-focused events across a range of disciplines, encouraging constructive debate on issues of regional and global relevance. We have partnered with Lifeline, Wellways and SANE to bring you this first event, titled ‘Stamping out stigma: science and services’. Unforunately this event has sold out – you can register for the waitlist here.

The second in the series will take place on Thursday 8 November, and is titled 'The secret to satisfaction: is everything we’ve been told about happiness, wrong?'. We hope to see as many of you there as possible – you can register here.

We pay tribute to Emeritus Professor Alex Wearing, who sadly passed away on June 18 after a long illness. Alex was a lodestar for the School of Psychological Science, who inspired and guided many generations of academic colleagues and students over a period of almost half a century. His loss will be keenly felt within the School, the University and the wider psychological community.

And finally, to facilitate interaction among past members and to maintain links between the School and our alumni, it is necessary for you to update us on your contact details. Update these here.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the School, we look forward to growing our relationship with you, our alumni community.

Professor Sarah Wilson

Head, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences