IVF and stem cell pioneer set to inspire medical students
Emeritus Professor Alan Trounson
Monash medical students in Gippsland are set to be inspired by one of Australia’s pioneers in IVF and stem cell technologies, at an event later this month.
Monash Emeritus Professor Alan Trounson, who led the Australian team responsible for the discovery of human embryonic stem cells in the late 1990’s, will discuss Australia’s contribution to the global revolution of treatments at the free event on Monday 29 September.
The event, which is co-hosted by the School of Rural Health and Federation University, will also see Professor Trounson visit Year A medical students based at the Churchill campus in Gippsland.
The school has strong partnerships with hospitals and other health agencies at sites across Gippsland, providing students with clinical placements throughout their three clinical training years.
Professor Trounson, who has established not-for-profit foundations to enable low cost IVF and fertility education for people across the globe, will also debate advances in treating major illnesses including cancer, diabetes, blindness, spinal cord injuries and whether a potential cure for HIV is in sight.
Dr Margaret Simmons, from the School of Rural Health said Professor Trounson’s talk looks set to be inspirational to anyone with a professional or personal interest in pressing health issues.
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Trounson, not only is he a pioneer of IVF, he has also driven stem cell biology, facilitating discoveries into clinical therapies that have had a significant impact,” she said.
“The opportunity for our students to listen to the insights of someone with a career as stellar as Professor Trounson, will no doubt be inspirational for many,” Dr Simmons said.
Professor Trounson was President of Californian Institute for Regenerative Medicine (2007-2014) the Californian state’s $3 billion stem cell agency driving research in stem cell biology and facilitating the translation of stem cell discoveries into clinical therapies.
The founding Director of the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories at Monash University (2004-07), Professor Trounson also founded seven for-profit life science companies and the National Biotechnology Centre of Excellence - ‘Australian Stem Cell Centre’ (2002-03). He has held a Chair in Paediatrics/Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and also a Chair in Stem Cell Science at Monash University. He was Director of the Monash Centre for Early Human Development 1985-2002 and founding Deputy Director/Director of the Institute for Reproductive Biology 1990- 2002.
The Community Conversation with Emeritus Professor Alan Trounson takes place on Monday 29 September, 6-7.30pm at the Auditorium, Building 3E, Federation University, Northways Road, Churchill Victoria 3842.
The free event co-hosted by Monash University and Federation University, is open to staff, students and the public. For more information visit med.monash.edu.au/srh/.