#  The Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Chair in Australian Studies 

 



   ![Gough Whitlam & Malcolm Fraser](/sites/g/files/omnuum10876/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/harvaus/files/whitlam_fraser.jpg?itok=RVXNUXLj) 

 

*Photo: Steve Baccon and John Donegan*The Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Chair in Australian Studies was established through a gift of the Australian Government to Harvard University, in recognition of the American Bicentennial, to further understanding of Australia in the United States. Over the past 35 years, the Chair has been occupied by some of Australia’s most outstanding intellectuals. In 2010, the Chair was renamed in recognition of the two prime ministers who, from opposite sides of politics, brought to fruition this important initiative. Incumbents of the Chair ordinarily hold the title of Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Visiting Professor of Australian Studies and reside at Harvard for the full academic year (August through May).

The application process for 2028-2029 is now open. Harvard University seeks to appoint a distinguished scholar to the Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Chair in Australian Studies for the 2028-2029 academic year. Persons wishing to be considered should submit an application through the Harvard ARIeS system [here](https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/16523). Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2026. Final notification will be made by the end of March 2027.

The Australian Nominating Committee encourages applications from outstanding Australians in mid-career as well as those further advanced. The Committee reserves the right to invite particular persons to accept nomination. Shortlisted candidates will be identified by the Australian Nominating Committee for final review and appointment by the Harvard Committee on Australian Studies.



 

##  In The News 

 



  [### Professor Anne Pender from Adelaide University will visit Harvard University’s Division of Arts and Humanities as the Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Chair of Australian Studies in the 2027-2028 academic year

 ](/news/2026/05/professor-anne-pender-adelaide-university-will-visit-harvard-universitys-division-arts) May 05, 2026 

 As a leading scholar of modern and contemporary Australian literature and theatre, Professor Pender will contribute to the Theatre, Dance and Media programme of study at Harvard University. She will offer courses on comedy and satire in Australian... 

 

 

   ![Anne Pender](/sites/g/files/omnuum10876/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/Professor-Anne-Pender-750-x-750_0.jpg?itok=S5ymb5le) 

 



 

 

   [### Historian Kirsten McKenzie appointed Harvard Visiting Professor

 ](/news/2025/05/historian-kirsten-mckenzie-appointed-harvard-visiting-professor) May 13, 2025 

 Kirsten McKenzie will take up the prestigious role of Harvard University’s Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Visiting Professor of Australian Studies for 2026-7. Professor Kirsten McKenzie holds the Chair in Australian History at the University of Sydney’s... 

 

 

   ![Professor Kirsten McKenzie](/sites/g/files/omnuum10876/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Professor%20Kirsten%20McKenzie.jpeg?h=a879541e&itok=NK2et0ht) 

 



 

 

   [### University of Copenhagen Professor awarded distinguished visiting Chair at Harvard

 ](/news/saxo-professor-awarded-distinguished-visiting-chair-harvard) June 04, 2024 

 Professor Stuart Ward will visit Harvard University’s History Department as the Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Chair of Australian Studies for the 2025-2026 academic year. As a leading historian of 19th and 20th century empire, specializing in the... 

 

 

   ![Stuart Ward](/sites/g/files/omnuum10876/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/stuart_ward.jpg?h=3d74fb01&itok=_9tWqXq2)