Alumni Highlights
Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM

As a distinguished conservationist, scientist, researcher, and educator, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM has helped shape the University into the world-class institution it is today.

After coming to the University in 1974, Tim became a highly acknowledged expert within the area of chronic pain, fatigue, and autism. His research and findings have reoriented the entire field to now focus on chronic infection as the primary underlying cause of chronic pain and fatigue.

In 2006, Tim relocated to Singapore to establish the University of Newcastle’s first international campus as the inaugural Dean. Tim’s exceptional people and leadership skills were integral in establishing the new campus. Now, more than 4000 students in Singapore have graduated with degrees from the University of Newcastle.

Following his passion for environmental sustainability, Tim was appointed Director of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment from 2010 to 2018 where he worked to find regional solutions for a sustainable future through research projects in conservation, biodiversity, water, and soil.

Tim has always been highly engaged, involved and enthusiastic about inspiring the next generation of scientists and problem solvers for decades during his time at the University of Newcastle.

In his spare time in the ‘80s Tim developed the Supernova Hands-on Science Centre that is still an integral part of the Newcastle Museum 40 years later. He has led numerous initiatives including the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival, designed to encourage the general public to consider sustainable transport solutions. Tim has also been key in the formation of the Hunter Innovation and Science Hub, a collaboration network within the community to encourage young minds to enter the fields of STEM.

“To me, the University is a place where you can achieve your own goals, develop your research, develop your community and your directions. I like seeing students grow. I like mentoring. I like just being part of the youth of today because they'll be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Tim.

Tim strongly believes that the University can play a huge role in solving problems to ensure better outcomes for future generations.

“The University is where new ideas come from. The University can be the place where entrepreneurs grow up and generate new industries,” said Tim.

Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM
Conservationist, Scientist, Researcher, and Educator