Alan Trounson Becomes Head Of The California Institute For Regenerative Medicine

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Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;  Fertility
Article Date: 15 Sep 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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Embryonic stem cell research and invitro fertilization expert, Alan O. Trounson, from Australia, has been named as president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), which is at the head of California's stem cell program worth $3 billion. Trounson has a brilliant record in research, management skills and tackling Australia's contentious politics surrounding embryonic stem cell research.

Trounson, an agricultural scientist, is famous worldwide for his work in stem cell research and human fertilization. He first went into cattle reproduction research before moving into human research. His nomination was approved unanimously yesterday by the CIRM's board.

Within the next four months, Trounson will move to California into his new full-time post. He will receive a salary of about $475,000 per year and will not have shares in stem cell research companies.

About Alan O. Trounson PhD

Trounson is a biologist who is renowned worldwide. He is Professor of Stem Cell Sciences and Director, Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Monash University. He is also the founder of the Australian Stem Cell Centre (National Biotechnology Centre of Excellence).

In 1980 he hit the headlines with the first IVF birth in Australia. He has devoted many years of his professional life to stem cell research. In 2000 he hit the headlines again when announcing that he and his team had discovered that nerve stem cells could be derived from embryonic stem cells - this triggered a huge growth in interest in stem cells to cure many incurable diseases.

He currently serves on the Science Advisory Board of the Genetic Policy Institute.

Biography of Alan O. Trounson - Research/Academia

-- University of New South Wales, 1971, graduated with a M.Sc. in Wool and Pastoral Sciences
-- Sydney University, 1974, awarded a PhD, in animal embryology
-- University of Cambridge, awarded the Dalgety Research Fellow at the ARC Institute of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, 1974-1976
-- Monash University, 1977, Senior Research Fellow. By 1984 he was a Reader in the Dept. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
-- Centre for Early Human Development, 1985, Director
-- Monash University, 1991, awarded a Personal Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology/Paediatrics
-- Monash University, 2003, awarded a Personal Chair as Professor of Stem Cell Sciences
-- The Faculties of Medical Sciences and Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium, 2003, awarded Professor Trounson a Doctor Honoris Causa

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
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