Academic Hilary Charlesworth has become the first Australian woman elected to the United Nations' International Court of Justice.
The long-time human rights scholar and international legal expert is also only the fifth woman ever elected to the IJC.
Professor Charlesworth, who leads the Centre for International Governance and Justice at ANU, will take up the two-year role immediately, following the death of former Australian judge James Crawford.
Her appointment represents well-deserved recognition of a long and remarkable legal and academic career, said ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt.
"Over many years, she has made her mark not only as a researcher but as an inspiration for those who want to improve the law and use it to improve our world and our lives," he said in a statement on Saturday.
"Through her tireless work, unwavering commitment and endless passion, she has tackled some of the biggest challenges in the world of international justice and human rights.
"We are all incredibly proud of her achievements and are so fortunate to call her a colleague."
The veteran judge has worked with non-governmental human rights organisations on ways to implement international human rights standards and is recognised and respected the world over.
She also played a leading role in the development of the Australian Capital Territory's human rights legislation.
Established in 1945 and based in the Netherlands, the ICJ is also known as the World Court.
It settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions that have been referred to it by other authorised UN bodies.
