Boost to EMBL Australia

BOOST TO AUSTRALIA-EUROPE SCIENCE LINK

Senator The Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research today made a series of announcements on the progression of Australia’s link with Europe’s foremost life sciences research body.

EMBL Australia was initiated in 2008 to capitalise on Australia being granted the first Associate Membership of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.

Today’s announcements included:

• The launch of an international PhD program to allow Australian students to undertake their doctorate in Europe and gain a joint Australian-EMBL PhD
• The appointment of Prof Nadia Rosenthal as Scientific Head of EMBL Australia
• The announcement of a new bioinformatics institute at The University of Queensland, complemented by a national support network for bioinformaticians
• The appointment of Dr Edwina McGlinn as the first Group Leader in the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network

“These achievements have been made possible through the combined efforts of universities, research organisations, governments and scientists working together to propel Australian science forward”, said Prof Richard Larkins, Chairman of EMBL Australia.

The announcements were made at a special event held at Monash University. Special guests included Prof Iain Mattaj, Director General EMBL, Dr Silke Schumacher, Head of International Relations and Communications EMBL, Prof David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria and Mrs Jan de Kretser.

“The EMBL is a proven model for producing scientific excellence”, said Prof Larkins.

“EMBL Australia brings together the best features of European and Australian science.

 “It is strengthening Australia’s scientific credentials, international connections and influence”, said Prof Larkins.

“By attracting the world’s brightest scientists and creating opportunities for them to flourish on the world science stage we boost Australia research quality”, he said.

EMBL Australia is an unincorporated joint venture between the CSIRO, Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney and The University of Western Australia. It is supported by the Australian Government.

Media contact

Rachel Taylor          
Ph: 0411 288 672             
rachel.taylor@embleaustralia.org

Further information

International PhD Program
Nadia Rosenthal appointed Scientific Head
EMBL Australia node at The University of Queensland and Bioinformatics Network

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