Imelda Whelehan has worked in academia since 1989. She moved from the UK to Australia in 2011 and has worked at the University of Tasmania, the Australian National University and the University of Western Australia. A feminist critic, she works and publishes widely in the fields of literature, film and adaptation studies. For nearly a decade she has taken senior leadership roles as PVC and Dean of Graduate Research and was President of the Australian Council of Graduate Research from 2020-2023. She is currently writing Post-War Hollywood Adaptations (to be published by Bloomsbury).
Most important experiences while at UWA
I have been fortunate to engage with research students and academics across all disciplines – there’s nothing better than seeing them light up when you talk to them about their research. My most important role at UWA has been endeavouring to enhance UWA’s research training culture whilst respecting the University’s uniqueness and its existing strengths. Among my favourite experiences are: watching HDR students cross the stage at graduation, walking through campus first thing in the morning and open-air cinema at Somerville.
Where did you think you would end up, when you began your career?
My dream was to work in publishing. I was working for Penguin Books in Chelsea (London) before I did my undergraduate degree and continued to work freelance for them while studying, and during the holidays. I went to university to study literature so that I could be a commissioning editor: I got offered an editorial job the day I got my degree results, but I also won a scholarship to study for a masters and PhD! That was it.
What are some of your most significant achievements?
I managed to merge my love and literature and film in the study of screen adaptations, co-founded the first research Centre of Adaptation Studies and a charity (The Association of
Adaptation Studies). One of my books, Overloaded, breached the gap between academic and popular contemporary feminist discussion and I was very fortunate to present my work on a number of platforms, including the Edinburgh Book Festival, BBC radio and Radio Eireann.
What has been the most interesting aspect of your career?
That’s really hard to answer. I’ve been lucky to work and teach across three academic disciplines, act as a discipline chair, Associate Dean, Head of Research, PVC and Dean. My work in adaptation connected me to people in the television and film industry: I was privileged to interview legendary screenwriter Andrew Davies (who scripted the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice) on a number of occasions. I’ve especially enjoyed the challenge of moving from the UK academic environment to the Australian one. They are surprisingly different in many ways – or at least some of the differences took me by surprise.
Where are you planning to go from here? Are there new interests you are looking to get involved in?
After nearly a decade in academic leadership and management, I’m looking forward to focusing on my research again and I hope to travel and visit my European networks. I have had a book simmering on the back burner for far too long and that will be at the top of my list. My 2025 list is quite long and includes a lot of creative activities as well as committing to learn a new language and travel for longer in Europe. I look forward to enjoying more of the things I do already – walking, running, gardening, travelling. I will continue to provide support and advice in the HDR domain, and mentor and learn from others.