University of Newcastle academic receives Fulbright scholarship

Well done: Professor Lisa Toohey was recognised for academic merit and ambassadorial skills. She has expertise in international trade law and dispute resolution.

UNIVERSITY of Newcastle professor Lisa Toohey has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to investigate changing political dynamics in the Asia-Pacific - and the impact on the relationship between Australia and the United States.

The Professor of Law and Assistant Dean (Equity Diversity and Inclusion) has received the Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Australian-American Alliance Studies and will commence research at the University of Texas from October.

Professor Toohey said new trade restrictive measures were being introduced globally at a rate of between three and six times historic levels.

"The main goal of my research is to better understand what might be done to revitalise the global trade rules to make them once again the centrepiece of the international economic order," Professor Toohey said.

She will also investigate how globalisation and China are perceived in the United States, compared to in Australia.

"I am honoured to have this research opportunity, which will help contribute to the long-term rebuilding of the global trade system and strengthening of the US-Australian relationship," she said.

UON has also welcomed two visiting American Fulbright scholars. Water resources engineer Dr Kelsey McDonough and electrical engineer Professor Edward Sazonov received the Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship and the Fulbright Distinguished Chair award respectively, both funded by UON.

All three will attend a presentation dinner on Thursday at Parliament House.