Dr John Holdsworth Awarded an Honorary Professorship
Dr John Holdsworth from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences was recently announced a recipient of an Honorary Professorship with the College of Science in the Department of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the Philippines.
The prestigious accolade recognises John’s significant academic contribution to UST over the past two decades, having played a vital role in the development of the university’s BS Applied Physics major program.
“I am deeply honoured and touched by the Honorary Professorship bestowed on me and I thank all those who judged me worthy of such high acclaim,” John said.
John initially realised the potential of instigating a collaborative approach to Physics at UST, with the inclusion of research and majors, during his time teaching courses at the university over a two year period.
“It was apparent that UST had strengths, their Medical and Engineering Schools in particular, and that Physics oriented towards Medical Physics and Applied Physics would be within their wider resource base and attractive to students.”
In 2014, John was invited to give a lecture on advanced optics at UST’s Science Week. The same year, John was also tasked with reviewing UST’s curriculum in Physics. Having co-written the national threshold learning outcomes for Physics in Australia, and implemented the necessary changes at UON, John’s experience put him in good stead to carry out this important assignment.
Not only has this noteworthy acknowledgement solidified UON’s collaborative relationship with UST through an established Memorandum of Understanding, but John’s continued engagement has allowed the Faculty to host three visiting scholars who have achieved international conference publications from their work, enabling two of the scholars to pursue Masteral studies.
John is one of three Honorary Professorship recipients who is currently visiting UST to be formally presented with his professorial medallion and certificate by the UST Rector Magnificus, Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. John will also deliver a Professorial Address, entitled “Light and Interactions”, which outlines John’s 40 years of exposure to lasers and light sources and their use.
Following his formal acceptance, John will join UST’s current 13-member cohort, which includes former Malaysia Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former President of Poland H.E. Lech Walesa, and Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa.
Contact
- Dr John Holdsworth
- Phone: 02 4921 5436
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