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RSS SubscribeMonday 29th March 2010
Formal launch of the EMBL Australia initiative at Monash University
by Merrilyn Fitzpatrick
In March 2008 Australia accepted an invitation to partner with Europe’s pre-eminent research institute, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). This partnership saw Australia granted Associate Member status (the first ever offered) for a period of seven years and created EMBL Australia. This invitation was extended to Australia due to our scientific strengths in cell biology, clinical research, stem cells and regenerative medicine, chemical biology and genetic epidemiology. In 2009, the Australian Government announced it would provide $8 million to the EMBL Australia initiative.
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, supported by the Australian Government.
On 29 March 2010 Senator The Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research made a series of announcements on the progress of Australia’s link with Europe’s foremost life sciences research body, including
- 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
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.
Prof Richard Larkins, Chairman of EMBL Australia, speaking at the launch, said:
“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 EMBL is a proven model for producing scientific excellence. EMBL Australia brings together the best features of European and Australian science. It is strengthening Australia’s scientific credentials, international connections and influence. By attracting the world’s brightest scientists and creating opportunities for them to flourish on the world science stage we boost Australia research quality.”
EMBL Australia aims to foster and enhance Australian research quality through the development of world-class scientific leaders. It provides Australian researchers access to EMBL through activities such as funded research positions, collaborative ventures, exchanges and the formation of research institutes.
- First-class scientific training and collaboration
- Establishing an EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network (PLN)
- Exchanging infrastructure, services, resources, and expertise between Europe and Australia
- Pursuing new opportunities in co-funding research
