Dear Fellows,
It is with deep sadness that I share news of the passing of
Emeritus Professor Graeme Turner AO FAHA FQA, one of Australia’s most distinguished humanities scholars and a towering figure in our Academy’s history.
Graeme passed away peacefully last night, with his family by his side, after a short illness.
Graeme was that rare figure who combined exceptional scholarly distinction with an unwavering commitment to strengthening the humanities and Australia’s higher education sector. Internationally recognised for his pioneering
work in cultural and media studies, he was equally admired at home as a sector leader, policy advisor, innovator and mentor. His advocacy for the value and contribution of the humanities to national life was tireless and truly without parallel.
Within the Academy, Graeme’s leadership was foundational. He served on Council for almost a decade, including as Vice-President (2002–2004), President (2004–2006), and Immediate Past President (2007–2009). He returned to Council
in 2017 to serve as Policy Lead, offering wise, principled and generous guidance that helped shape the Academy’s reputation as a trusted and respected voice in public policy. His service was always thoughtful, strategic, and given with unwavering honesty and
integrity.
Graeme’s scholarship shaped the field of cultural and media studies both nationally and internationally. His work spanned literature, film, television, radio, new media, journalism, celebrity, popular culture and Australian
identity. He published more than 30 books with various works translated into 11 languages, and he was recognised through major honours including an Australian Research Council (ARC) Federation Fellowship. His establishment of the Centre for Critical and Cultural
Studies at The University of Queensland, and his leadership of the ARC Cultural Research Network, trained a generation of scholars and cemented Australia’s global standing in the field.
Graeme also played an extraordinary role in advising on Australia’s research agenda at the highest levels of government, serving on the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council; chairing Expert Working
Groups for the Chief Scientist; contributing to the Australian Research Committee; and leading high-impact national studies such as
Mapping the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in Australia with Dr Kylie Brass. His work helped ensure that humanities teaching, research and workforce capability were 'at the table’ amidst ever-changing political cycles, securing recognition for
the humanities in major national strategies.
His expertise was further acknowledged internationally. Graeme was the first Australian appointed to the prestigious Holberg Prize Committee—testament to the global esteem in which he was held.
Graeme Turner was a scholar of immense influence, a leader of rare integrity, and a champion of the humanities whose legacy will endure for generations. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, to his friends and
colleagues, to the Academy and the many scholars he mentored so generously throughout his long career.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Graeme’s wife Chris, and his children, family, friends and colleagues.
The Academy will seek to recognise Graeme’s enormous contributions in due course.
Professor Stephen Garton AM FAHA FRAHS FASSA FRSN
Academy President
