Deakin Distinguished Professor Matthew Clarke’s career as an academic, researcher and leader has been defined by a human-centred focus. With research interests encompassing economic development, international aid flows, and religion and development, and over three decades of experience in the international development sector, Prof Clarke’s work is directed toward the conditions that maximise human development.

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Prof Clarke is working toward establishing an enabling environment so that Deakin researchers are the best served in the sector. Integral to this is the expansion of Deakin research partnerships—with industry, local and international universities, and other research providers—to create pathways to research that are both world class and maximally impactful.

As collaboration is essential to the development and dissemination of humanitarian ideals, Prof Clarke is proud of the partnerships he has have forged throughout his career. Prominent among them is working to establish the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership. CHL has attracted millions in funding from philanthropic and government donors and has trained 728 humanitarian workers from  100 countries through its accredited courses.