It may be the year of the rat in Chinese astrology, but it’s the year of transformation for The University of Queensland’s School of Biomedical Sciences.
With the appointment of a new Head of School, a new Deputy Head of School, and two new academics, the School has a fresh leadership team and a new direction.
Professor Brian Key, who has been promoted to the Head of School position, said he was excited about what 2008 had in store for Biomedical Sciences.
“Five years as Deputy Head is a good grounding but everyday brings new challenges,” Professor Key said.
“2008 sees the first stage in the implementation of the outcomes of the Bachelor of Science curriculum review, the introduction of the new Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences and the VC’s review of the structure of Science.
“The School of Biomedical Sciences will play a major role in ensuring the Science program here is the best in the country, and we have the staff to carry this out.”
Professor Key, who completed a Bachelor of Human Movement Studies and a PhD in Neurobiology at UQ, said he would be working closely with the newly appointed Deputy Head of School, Professor Shaun Collin, in implementing his future plans for Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Collin graduated from UQ in 1987 with a PhD in Neuroscience and has previously held a number of Research Fellow positions.
Both Professors have spent considerable time abroad and at different universities around Australia, but returned to UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences in 2000.
The new leadership team will be supported by the appointment of Professor Walter Thomas, Chair of General Physiology, and Professor Chen Chen, Chair of endocrinology, both recruited externally.
“Professor Thomas and Chen were attracted to UQ by the success of the biomedical precinct and are keen to contribute to its continued growth,” Professor Key said.
Professor Thomas graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Science (1982) and a PhD in Physiology (1992).
He spent time as a postdoctoral fellow in the USA before returning to the Baker Medical Research Institute as an NHMRC Fellow.
Professor Chen took a very different path to UQ.
He graduated in medicine from Shanghai Medical University (1982) and completed a Master of Science in Beijing.
After two successful post-doctoral fellowships in France and the USA, Professor Chen moved to Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research.
Professor Chen is now keen to develop the University’s research relationship with China in the biomedical sciences.
If his honorary Professorships with six Chinese universities are any indication, Professor Chen is sure to make an impact.
Further information: Michelle Hall at the School of Biomedical Sciences (m.hall@uq.edu.au, 3365 3387) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (penny.robinson@uq.edu.au, 3365 9723).
