Professor Murray Phillips, Acting Head of UQ’s School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, has been elected as an International Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK), USA.
Kinesiology is a field focused on physical activity and its impact on health, society and quality of life.
Professor Phillips is being recognised for his outstanding contributions to the field of kinesiology, particularly his work on advancing understanding of sport history.
Professor Phillips was one of six newly elected Fellows officially inducted into the NAK at a ceremony and gala evening in Washington, USA on 14 September.
“The field of sport history was a foundational discipline in the rich tapestry that created contemporary kinesiology, and it is terrific that my discipline continues to be recognised as making an important contribution.” Professor Phillips said.
Professor Bruce Abernethy, Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences said election to the NAK is considered the pinnacle career achievement for those working in the discipline.
“As the fifth UQ staff member to be elected as a fellow of the NAK in 25 years, this is a significant and important achievement for Professor Phillips,” Professor Abernethy said.
“UQ currently has more International Fellows of the academy than all other Australian universities combined.”
Elected Fellows are those who have made sustained and distinguished contributions to the discipline for an extended period, usually with one or more signature contributions, and who are willing to participate in the mission and goals of the NAK.
Professor Phillips’ scholarly works have focused on three main areas - Indigenous sport history, the changing face of sport history in the digital era, and philosophical debates about what constitutes the field of sport history.
His work has been supported by external funding from groups such as the Australian Research Council, Australian Sports Commission, the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the Australian Paralympic Committee, the Australian Coaching Council, and the Australian War Memorial.
Professor Phillips said this recognition will help facilitate interdisciplinary work with colleagues in kinesiology in North America.
“The National Academy of Kinesiology is an important institution, particularly in North America, and to be recognised outside the United States is tremendously satisfying.”
