Leading Australian Academic Appointed Inaugural Visiting Professor in Australian Studies, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
Distinguished Australian scholar Associate Professor Melissa Bellanta has been appointed as the inaugural Visiting Professor in Australian Studies at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies. The new, annual position is supported by Woodside Energy and developed in cooperation between InASA, Seoul National University, and the AustraliaKorea Foundation of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It aims to support innovative research collaborations and promote mutual understanding of Australia and Korea’s history, cultural heritage and modern outlook.
Regarding her appointment to the position, Assoc. Prof. Bellanta remarked: “I am grateful to have this opportunity to forge new relationships and ways of seeing the world by working at Seoul National University. I feel honoured to be part of the deepening connections between Australia and the Republic of Korea – and I can’t wait to show that humanities research and teaching have a lot to contribute to this aim”.
Associate Professor Bellanta is an internationally esteemed scholar of Australian social and cultural history, with particular expertise in fashion studies. Her research uses diverse sources and methods to explore the role of fashion in social and everyday life, migrant contributions to Australia’s clothing and fashion industries, and men’s relationship to dress. She uses micro-historical approaches to foreground the past experiences of marginalised peoples, youth, and popular culture.
Associate Professor Bellanta works with Australian cultural institutions in the galleries, libraries, archives, and museum (GLAM) sector to reveal neglected histories of migration that can be found through scholarly accounts of material culture. Her award-winning monographs have been supported by prestigious Australian Research Council grants and fellowships.
Associate Professor Bellanta is a gifted university teacher, who has won a Teaching Excellence award at ACU. Her highly personable and collegial approach contribute to the excellent reputation she enjoys from colleagues and students alike.
Associate Professor Bellanta has considerable experience in engaging the public through her research on the social history of menswear in modern Australia, communicating its findings to museum attendees and radio listeners. She looks forward to using social media to expand the broader audience for her research as Visiting Chair of Australian Studies at Seoul National University, and to engage with students, researchers, and potential collaborators in industry and academia.
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