Professor Murphy has been Associate Dean and Head of the School of Medical Sciences since 2001 and was Chair of the Academic Staffing Committee from 2004 to 2008. Presently he is on the Divisional Boards of MNDP (Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry and Pharmacy) and also DNS (Science, Veterinary Science and Agricultural Science). Chris is also presently Vice-President of the University of Sydney Association of Professors (USAP).

Professor Murphy has been a member of the Academic Staff of The University of Sydney since 1984. He teaches undergraduate Science, Medical Science, Dental and Medical students and presently has five PhD students.

Professor Murphy’s research interests are in cell biology of the uterus and the uterine epithelial cells in particular. Work in his laboratory involves understanding how the uterus is changed during early pregnancy to develop receptivity for egg implantation. This work extends from basic cell biology in experimental animals to collaborations with clinicians on human female infertility. The other main aspect of his work on the uterus is in understanding how the uterus has evolved from an egg-laying structure to one which gives live birth and Australian lizards are the subject of this focus because they include both egg-laying species as well as many species which give live birth.

In the different administrative roles I have had as well as those I still hold, I have seen many incarnations of change in University organisation and functioning (or not) and will I try to bring these insights to Senate for the benefit of staff, students and the University more generally.