Avril Alba appointed Head of Languages and Cultures at the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney has appointed Avril Alba as the new Head of the School of Languages and Cultures (SLC) and Professor in Holocaust Studies and Jewish Civilisation, effective 7 January 2025.
Avril Alba
Alba, a respected scholar within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, has been with the university since 2012, contributing significantly to Holocaust and modern Jewish history research.
Alba’s academic journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy in History from the University of Sydney and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University. Her research has redefined museum spaces, transforming them into dynamic platforms for dialogue and community engagement. Notably, she led the development of the Sydney Jewish Museum’s permanent exhibition, The Holocaust and Human Rights, which opened in 2018.
In her previous roles, Alba served as Discipline Chair of Hebrew, Biblical, and Jewish Studies, Deputy Head of School Education, and Deputy Head of School Research within the SLC. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the school’s mission to promote multilingual and multicultural education. Alba has also been involved in several Australian Research Council-funded projects, focusing on the long-term impact of Holocaust education programs in Australia.
Alba’s appointment is expected to enhance the SLC’s position as a leading centre for language and cultural studies in Australia, fostering community and industry partnerships and promoting intercultural competence across disciplines.
