Professor Pammer joins faculty as new Head of the School of Psychological Sciences

After an extensive international search, Professor Kristen Pammer has been appointed as the new Head of the School of Psychological Sciences, starting in late  April 2025.

Professor Kristen Pammer brings over 25 years of experience in psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Professor Pammer joins the faculty from the University of Newcastle, where she currently serves as Head of the School of Psychological Sciences, a position she has held since 2018. An esteemed researcher and academic leader, she brings over 25 years of experience in psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Professor Pammer's  pioneering research focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms involved in reading, dyslexia, visual attention, and hazard perception in driving. Her work has had significant real-world impact, influencing Australia’s road safety policies, driver training programs, approaches to literacy education, and Indigenous education initiatives. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Professor Pammer holds a PhD in Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. She is an accomplished scholar having published 60 journal articles and two book chapters.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Professor Pammer has held leadership roles such as Chair of the Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Association (HODSPA) and Secretary of the Psychology Foundation of Australia. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Australian National University (ANU)   and a Research Associate at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Notably, Professor Pammer was instrumental in establishing the Higher Education Academy qualification in Australia and has made substantial contributions to curriculum development and teaching innovations.