A Curtin University professor has been appointed the inaugural United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair for Data Science in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.<\/p>\n
UNESCO\u2019s appointment of Professor David Gibson, Director of Learning Futures, Curtin Learning and Teaching, was formally announced at the edX Global Forum in Paris this week.<\/p>\n
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry congratulated Professor Gibson on his appointment, adding that it reinforced the University\u2019s profile and position on the global stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe prestigious appointment further supports Curtin\u2019s research-intensive culture and capacity to share scientific advances with the world,\u201d Professor Terry said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also links in with our data science focus and capabilities \u2013 to solve real world problems in education to benefit future students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Gibson said he was honoured to accept the UNESCO position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to the challenge of improving the access and effectiveness of education for lifelong learning, globally,\u201d Professor Gibson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Curtin\u2019s support, we hope to unearth new knowledge and ideas in data science that help to transform higher education learning and teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtin is the only Western Australian University to partner with edX<\/a>, the non-profit online learning destination founded by Harvard and MIT. edX was instrumental in laying the foundations for the position and will provide ongoing support.<\/p>\n The University now has two staff members who hold UNESCO appointments, with Professor Erik Champion, from the School of Media, Culture and the Arts, UNESCO\u2019s Professorial Chair in Cultural Heritage and Visualisation.<\/p>\n