Congratulations to RMIT’s newly appointed Distinguished Professors

An RMIT Distinguished Professorship is a high honour which acknowledges professors of exceptional distinction who have made outstanding contributions to their field and the University.

Distinguished Professor Bessant has been recognised for her contributions to the sociology of youth, politics, policy, media-technology studies and history.

Bessant’s significant body of work has and continues to have global impact, most recently demonstrated by her role as a commissioner for the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing and co-lead for the report’s ‘Social-Ecological Systems Approach to Intergenerational Justice’ workstream.

She was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) in 2017 for her significant service to education as a social scientist, advocate and academic specialising in youth studies research, and in 2024 was elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. 

Distinguished Professor Hook has been recognised for his contribution to RMIT’s globally unique approach to practice-based research, specifically in relation to architecture and design, with a focus on research training and the translation of creative practice into research methodologies. 

He recently joined RMIT’s Operations Portfolio as Pro Vice-Chancellor, Campus Design & University Architect, alongside continuing his substantiative role working in a professorial capacity in the School of Architecture and Urban Design. He will contribute to the development of the University’s property and infrastructure plan and agenda from a design perspective, including the RMIT Master Plan, providing advice on urban planning, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture, and contributing to enhanced student experience and learning environments.

In his more than 28 years of service to RMIT, he’s held senior leadership roles across the College of Design and Social Context, as Head of School/Dean of four schools and in the College office, most recently as Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor of Engagement. He has been instrumental in many significant University projects including the redevelopment of The Capitol. In addition, Hook has been a trusted advisor and committee member across local, state and federal government in relation to urban design and creative industries. 

Professor Tim Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Design & Social Context congratulated the newly appointed Distinguished Professors.  

“RMIT is fortunate to have academics of Judith and Martyn’s standing among our esteemed academic community. I thank and congratulate them for their ongoing contributions to DSC, RMIT and of course their discipline. 

“I look forward to their continued leadership and dedication to advancing knowledge for the benefit of academia and the broader community,” he said.