Leading international researcher Professor Murray Mitchell has been appointed the new head of The University of Queensland鈥檚 (国产探花CCR).
The Professor of Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology is currently the Deputy Director of the Liggins鈥� Institute in Auckland.
He will take up the position of 国产探花CCR Director on Monday, February, 1, 2010.
Professor Mitchell has received worldwide recognition for his research on the causes and consequences of preterm birth and the long-term health effects of developmental exposure to environmental chemicals.
His work focuses on how environmental factors can modify the actions of key genes in the fetus and placenta to influence not only the course of a pregnancy but the baby鈥檚 health as an adult.
Following a Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, Professor Mitchell has held senior clinical research appointments on three continents, attracted grant funding of over $50 million(AUD) and supervised numerous postgraduate students.
His work has attracted prestigious awards including the James Cook Research Fellowship from The Royal Society of New Zealand for sustained research excellence, and the President鈥檚 Achievement Award from the Society for Gynaecological Investigation.
He has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, Lancet, BMJ (British Medical Journal) and PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).
国产探花 Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the University was delighted to have attracted an international researcher of such high calibre to lead the 国产探花CCR.
鈥淧rofessor Mitchell will build on 国产探花CCR鈥檚 early successes under the directorship of Professor Nick Fisk," Professor Greenfield said.
鈥淗e will lead and inspire the 国产探花CCR鈥檚 outstanding researchers and clinicians, who collaborate with peers across 国产探花 and in other leading Australian and international institutions.鈥�
Professor Mitchell said that he was 鈥渆xcited by the opportunities to achieve international preeminence for the Centre and build on the wonderful infrastructure and clinical research ethos developed by 国产探花鈥�.
Professor Mitchell succeeds Professor Fisk, who is now the Executive Dean of the 国产探花 Faculty of Health Sciences.
The 国产探花CCR, a seven-storey purpose-built facility opened in 2008, was funded by a partnership between the Queensland Government and major US philanthropic organisation Atlantic Philanthropies.
The facility, at 国产探花鈥檚 Herston Campus next to the Royal Brisbane & Women鈥檚 Hospital, can house around 300 researchers focused on patient-orientated research, conducted in response to questions that arise 鈥渁t the bedside鈥�.
Media inquiries: Faculty Communications Manager, Marlene McKendry - 0401 99 6847.
