Date: 28 January 2026 The Australian Research Council (ARC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Alex Broom FASSA as Academic Director for Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences. Professor Broom is an internationally recognised sociologist whose research explores how social, political and economic forces shape health and wellbeing, and how people navigate these influences in everyday life. He is currently Director of the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies at the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner welcomed Professor Broom’s appointment. 'Professor Broom brings outstanding expertise and a strong commitment to advancing research that addresses complex social and economic challenges. His leadership will support the work of the ARC,’ Professor Roessner said. ‘Academic Directors play a vital role at the ARC, acting as important conduits across the broader research community, supporting the ARC leadership team, and providing expert guidance. Through their expertise and engagement, they help ensure ARC-funded research continues to benefit all Australians.’ ARC Academic Directors are senior academic leaders drawn from the university sector who provide broad disciplinary knowledge and experience in research management. Professor Broom said he looked forward to representing Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences at the ARC and to uplift high-quality research. ‘The ARC plays a critical role in enabling the social, behavioural and economic sciences and supporting both early-stage and established researchers,’ Professor Broom said. ‘I’m delighted to take on the role of Academic Director to help steward our world-class research ecosystem into the future, with the ARC team.’ Professor Broom will commence his role on 2 February 2026. Media contact: ARC Communications 0412 623 056 or communications@arc.gov.au.