Richard is a Professor of Modern History at UNE, with a particular interest in the cultural history of Anglo-German relations, the Great War, comic art, and political cartoons.
“As a boy, Astérix and Tintin were ever-present for me, and it was the cartoons that appeared in classic textbooks like Hayes and Faissler’s Modern Times that got me interested in the 19th century,” said Richard.
After completing Honours in History at Monash University in 2003 and a PhD in 2008, Richard said the opportunity to join UNE came at just the right time.
“An ad for a job at UNE came up within a few months of graduating in 2008, and I got the gig in Modern European History at the beginning of 2009,” he said.
Since then, Richard has taught European history from the French Revolution to the present, covering topics such as the Great War, Nazi Germany, Victorian Britain, nationalism, and the ideological conflicts between liberalism, communism, and fascism. He has also served on UNE’s Academic Board and Council and is an Associate Member of the Australian Cartoonists’ Association and a Life Member of the Cartoon Museum in London.
Image: Cartoon of Professor Scully by 'The Age' and 'Sydney Morning Herald' cartoonist, Megan Herbert.
While the role of Head of Department has changed a lot in recent times, Richard is committed to ensure open communication between faculty and leadership.
“University leadership should be aware of what’s happening at the real coalface of teaching, research, and service in the department and the disciplines,” said Richard.
Despite the administrative demands of his role, Richard continues to find joy in research while juggling familial obligations.
“I always look forward to the research aspect of my job,” he said.
“I’m currently halfway through ‘Cartoon Nation,’ an ARC Discovery grant project with colleagues at Flinders and Monash, and the Australian Cartoonists’ Association. We’re working on the first comprehensive history of cartooning in Australia to be published since the 1970s.”
Richard’s love for history extends into his hobbies. He is an avid fan of Doctor Who, from William Hartnell’s era to Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure, and treasures time spent with his family.
“My family is my reason for being: my wife and four kids and a whole bunch of nieces and nephews are a constant source of delight,” he said.
His advice to students reflects his own journey:
“Find your passion and pursue it; no matter what it is. It was transformative for me to quit law and pursue history. You’ll be a pretty lousy doctor or lawyer or CEO if you don’t really love it!”
The Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education welcomes Professor Richard Scully to his new role and looks forward to his contributions to the Department of Archaeology, Classics, and History.
