Newsletter of the Australian Society for Medical Research President’s Report ASMR Professor Peter R Schofield, April 2002 Medical The ASMR’s mission is “to foster are presented during ASMR Medical Research excellence in Australian health and Research Week(R).

(R) medical research, and to promote Week community understanding and support ASMR Medical 2002 for health and medical research in Research Week(R) Australia”. We achieve this through The organisation public, political and scientific advocacy and co-ordination of and this report again highlights how the this, our premier ASMR Directors and members of the ASMR are public advocacy Medallist working to achieve these goals. activity, continues to Prof. Peter Schofield 2002 Honouring the Achievements of develop with the Medical Scientists enthusiastic Five Australian scientists changed the support of local Australian world through lifesaving discoveries in committees across the country. Planning microbiology, immunology, child and for 2002 is now well advanced and being Health indigenous health and have been co-ordinated nationally under the capable and honoured in the 2002 leadership of Joe Simonetta, Moira Clay and postage stamp series. The five scientists Alaina Ammit. The second year of our Medical include Sir Gustav Nossal, Prof Nancy sponsorship agreement with the Research Millis, Prof Peter Doherty, Prof Fiona Department of Health and Ageing has been Congress Stanley and Prof Don Metcalf. ASMR is crucial to the extended public outreach of delighted to see the public recognition of ASMR Medical Research Week(R). The 2002 these outstanding medical researchers. public Expo program will build on its Gus Nossal is a life member and patron of national launch last year in which 59 the ASMR Research Fund, Peter Doherty organisations mounted exhibits in addition is a life member and was the first ASMR to the ASMR core display. This year Australian Medallist and is a member promotional brochures will be distributed Health and friend of ASMR. to all GPs surgeries and further development of the Expo concept will be undertaken. Ethics It is wonderful to see recognition of the Commitee achievements of medical researchers and We have obtained extensive media outcomes of their research. In particular, coverage from ASMR Medical Research however, ASMR is pleased to support and Week(R) over the years, with 36 television, promote awards that recognise and help radio or press items in 2001. To further to develop the career of young medical enhance the capacity of this event to gain Research researchers, including the Quantum media profile, we have appointed Anne Scientific Australian Life Science Research Hayward of Investor Relations Strategies Careers Award for post doctoral researchers to co-ordinate and manage the media valued at $3,000; the AMGEN Award for communications plan for 2002. Research Excellence valued at $5,000 which emphasizes research conducted In 2002 the ASMR Medallist will be Prof over the last 2 years with evidence of Leon Rosenberg, President and CEO of Awards translation from bench to potential for Funding First. Funding First is an initiative application; and the Commonwealth for medical research sponsored by the Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Lasker Foundation. Dr Rosenberg is a Health and Medical Research valued at member of the US National Academy of $50,000. Sciences and of the Institute of Medicine Both the AMGEN and Minister’s awards and has previously served as Dean of the

Continued Page 2 Print Post App 25500300067 1 President’s Report, continued

Yale University School of and the Federation Fellowships. indicator measures. ASMR has Medicine and as President of Both were outcomes of the offered to assist in this process. the Bristol Myers Squibb Backing Australia’s Ability While detailed data collection Pharmaceutical Research Innovation Statement, which is beyond our scope and Institute. The theme for Prof ASMR applauds. The Prime resources, we would be able to Rosenberg’s tour will be “What Minister stated “to provide the provide a number of new, well is Life Worth?” Securing long- infrastructure needed to documented, case studies to term sponsorship continues to support project-funded demonstrate the value of be a priority for the development research, the Government will investment in health and medical of ASMR Medical Research provide more than $337 million research in leading to Week(R). However, the continued towards increased project- improvements in the health, expansion of this highly specific infrastructure over the social and economic status of successful event provides the next five years (to) support Australians. This is an area in greatest opportunity for future ARC and NHMRC grants”. which input and detailed support. However, implementation of knowledge from our members this initiative has led to all funds and affiliate societies will be Political Advocacy being directed to university invaluable. I wish to thank those The return of the Howard Liberal infrastructure. Likewise, while who have already provided Government at last November’s strongly endorsing the examples and urge you to Federal Election has resulted in establishment of Federation suggest further examples for a number of changes in Fellowships which have been case study development. Ministerial portfolios and designed to attract and retain appointments. We have been leading researchers, ASMR has Human Embryonic Stem Cell warmly welcomed by the new been dismayed that carriage of Research Minister for Health and Ageing, this scheme by ARC has To quote the Hon Kevin Senator Kay Patterson and the resulted in health and medical Andrews, “we are confronted new Minister for Industry, researchers being ineligible to with profound issues that Science and Training, Dr hold these prestigious awards. require ongoing attention and Brendan Nelson who met with discussion”. ASMR has made us over the holiday period to NHMRC & Performance representations to ensure that discuss areas of mutual interest Indicators a rational and sensible approach and selected issues. Two areas The Wills Review made a to the use of human embryonic in which we, working together compelling argument for an stem cells is reached. We have with AAMRI and their increased investment in health urged the Prime Minister, who President, Prof Bob Williamson, and medical research but did so now has carriage of this matter have made specific on the basis that the returns in Cabinet, and all representations have been the would be quantifiable and Parliamentarians to provide a inconsistent implementation of would justify the investment strong regulatory environment Project-specific Infrastructure and future investments. to provide both scientific and However, to date, little progress public scrutiny but to avoid has been made by any agency widespread bans or in collection of the data moratoriums. Specifically, we indicated by the Wills have recommended the Events Implementation Committee. continued use of existing cell ASMR has been concerned lines and the ability to use ComBio 2002 about the slow progress of surplus IVF embryos for stem September 29 - October 3 redefinition of the performance cell research. This position is www.asbmb.org.au/ measures and collection of data the majority view reached by the combio2002 since the case for consideration Andrews’ Committee, and also of the worth of increased matches the Canadian decision, Australian Health & investment in H&MR would reached in early March. Finally, Medical Research need to be made in 2003 for we have drawn attention to the action in 2004. We have raised fact that a blanket ban on Congress this matter with Prof Allan embryonic stem cell research, , November 25 - 29 Pettigrew, CEO of NHMRC and the minority view reached by www.ahmrcongress2002.conf.au are pleased that NHMRC has the Andrews’ Committee, Email:[email protected] now formalised its performance would be inconsistent with

Continued Page 3 2 President’s Report, continued existing government policy and newest affiliate member, the expansion of the rigorous expenditure as outlined in Australian Society for evaluation procedures that it Backing Australia’s Ability and Parasitology highlighted the has established and the further the Designated Priority Areas benefits that Australians enjoy investment of new funds into of Research. as a result of our past strategic research. Redirecting investments in parasitology existing funding increases Issues Paper on Protection of research and warned of the away from already well Human Genetic Information dangers and costs of reducing developed plans for The discussion document, this investment. Importantly, expenditure will not help produced by the Australian Law this joint launch has provided a fundamental or strategic Reform Commission and the platform by which several of the research in health. Australian Health Ethics peak scientific lobby groups Committee, has raised including the Academy of AHMRC 2002 considerable concerns in the Science, FASTS and ASMR are The Congress, to be held from scientific community. Many see able to work together in support 25-29th November this year that one outcome of this paper of science and technology in now has 8 societies holding full could be the extensive Australia. We look forward to meetings and a further 17 legislative regulation of genetic developing these initiatives. societies participating in information such that the selectedSymposia. progress of medical research Research Priorities Programming of symposia is would be severely constrained. ASMR noted with dismay the well advanced and sponsorship ASMR and many other last minute announcement of of symposia is progressing well. organisations have made four Designated Research The Congress promises to submissions and we will be Priority Areas for the ARC. bring the health and medical further highlighting these Minister McGaurin has research community together in issues to members and affiliates indicated that research a fashion that has not when the draft report is released priorities are high on the previously occurred in Australia in August. government’s agenda in all and to showcase the very best areas of science and in health and medical research. FASTS technology and accordingly, We have been delighted by the In February, I represented this is an area which ASMR will support of all participating ASMR in the launch and closely monitor. ASMR societies and thank the presentation of a FASTS believes that research priorities Congress Convenor Bronwyn Occasional Paper titled “An are needed and to this end Kingwell and her Organising investment in Human and fully supports those and Program Committees. Animal Health: Parasitology in recommendations made in the Based on our expectations of Australia” to the Minister for Wills Review. However, what the Congress proving to be a Science, the Hon Peter we need to remember is that the highly successful model for McGauran. This report by our review concluded that meeting the needs of Australian “Curiosity driven, investigator researchers, we have proposed initiated, peer-reviewed that the second Congress fundamental research is the should be held in Brisbane in foundation of our current 2004. success and it must remain so.” Where the Wills review In closing, I would like to thank ASMR congratulates the recommended strategic each of you for your support of nine Australian medical research initiatives was in areas the ASMR and look forward to researchers recognised in that “address local issues that your involvement in the the Australia Day Honours are unique, significantly over- activities of ASMR Medical list, including Professors represented or more severe, Research Week(R) in June and Paxinos, Sutherland, and yet under-researched in meeting with you at the Maddocks, Papadimitriou, Australia.” We have been inaugural Australian Health and Broughton, Bridges-Webb, pleased to see the progress Medical Research Congress in Associate Professor Reilly made by the NHMRC Strategic November. and Dr Tiedemann. Research and Development Professor Peter R Schofield Committee and look towards the President, ASMR April, 2002

3 ASMR Medical Research Week (R) 2002

ASMR Medallist 2002 ASMR Medical Research Week (R) Professor Leon E Rosenberg MD 2002 features -

 Tour by the ASMR Medallist Professor Rosenberg will speak at dinners in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Presentation of the ASMR Medal prior to the televised address at the National Press Club, Canberra.

 Medical Research Week Leon E Rosenberg, M.D. has faculty appointments Expositions in the Department of Molecular Biology, as well as Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and International Affairs. Perth

His career experiences reflect involvement with  government, academia, and industry. In 1959 he Scientific Meetings began a six-year association as an investigator with Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide the metabolism service of the National Cancer Institute. In 1965, he was appointed assistant  Victorian Premier’s Award professor of Medicine at Yale. He was named professor of Human Genetics, Pediatrics, and  Medicine in 1972, the same year he helped establish AMGEN Medical Researcher the Department of Human Genetics at Yale and Award Luncheon became its first chairman. Dr. Rosenberg was the dean Victoria of the Yale University School of Medicine from 1984 to 1991. Between 1991 and 1998 he worked for the  Public Lectures and Symposium Bristol-Myers Squibb Company as President of the Pharmaceutical Research Institute and as Senior Vice Melbourne, Sydney, Perth President to Scientific Affairs.  Schools Activities and Careers He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Information Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, All states Research!America, the Association for Patient- Oriented Research, Karo Bio AB, Pharmaceutix, Ltd., and Medicines for Malaria Venture Cellular Genomic,  Media Skills Workshop Inc. He recently chaired a congressionally-mandated Victoria committee of the Institute of Medicine charged with assessing research priority-seeking at the National  Presentation of the Commonwealth Institutes of Health (“NIH”). On October 26, 1998, Dr. Rosenberg presented the second annual Shannon Health Minister’s Award for Lecture at the NIH. Excellence in Health and Medical Research ($50,000) A specialist in inherited metabolic disorders in Victoria children, Dr. Rosenberg and his colleagues conducted pioneering laboratory investigations into  the molecular basis of several inherited disorders of Hospital Displays amino acid and organic acid metabolism.

4 Research Stars/Breakthroughs and Start - Up Companies

Chief investigators:

Prof Grant Sutherland, A/Pr David Callen, A/Pr genes was completed by the analysis of 712 John Mulley, Dr Jozef Gecz, Dr Robyn Wallace, breast tumours. The analysis of all the transcripts and Dr Gabriel Kremmidiotis at 16q24.3 has been achieved and a candidate supressor gene identified. This gene is now the The NHMRC Program Grant “Understanding the subject of intensive study. Human Genome: Molecular Mechanisms of Genetic Disease.” was first funded for the five- Through funding of this Program Australia has year period 1994-1998. Since then it was renewed also made its only significant contribution to the twice, in 1998 (period 1998-2002) and again in 2002 sequencing of the Human Genome by generating a as a new style program grant (for period 2002- detailed physical map 2006; $ 7.7 million/5 years). As part of this of human chromosome Program Grant we aim to achieve internationally 16 and producing at competitive research outcomes leading to an least 2Mb of high understanding of the mechanisms of human quality genomic genetic diseases, particularly intellectual disability, sequence. epilepsy and breast cancer. Since the Program was first funded in 1994 the group has published more Research arising from than 200 papers with 9 in Nature Genetics, two the program has each in Nature and Cell and one in Science. contributed to the formation We lead the world in the identification of genes for of a Dr Josef Gecz and idiopathic epilepsy and intellectual disability. Each biotechnology Ms Marie Mangelsdorf of these conditions is estimated to affect up to 2% company of the population. Five of the 10 genes currently Bionomics known to cause idiopathic epilepsy were identified Ltd. The in Adelaide, including the first gene, the neuronal company’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit, first projects involved the discovery of genes identified in 1995. associated with epilepsy and breast cancer. These areas have been developed further by a Federal Since the discovery of the FMR1 gene in 1991 Government R&D Start Grant for the epilepsy several other intellectual disability genes have project and a Biotechnology Innovation Fund been identified. Among these there was the first grant for the breast cancer project. Bionomics now gene for non-specific mental retardation (MRX), occupies new research laboratories and FMR2, in 1996. From the 10 known MRX genes 5 administrative offices at the Adelaide bioscience were discovered as part of these program grants. precinct at Thebarton. Interestingly, the last one on the list, the Dr Josef Gecz Aristaless-related homeobox gene, ARX, is unique in causing epilepsy, or syndromic and non- syndromic intellectual disability with or without epilepsy. Performance Indicators

Not only do these outcomes significantly advance ASMR is collecting examples of current and basic science, they have immediate applications to recent NHMRC funded research projects clinical practice via the availability of direct and which have led to significant outcomes in accurate diagnostic tests. This facilitates either basic, clinical or public health or in management and prevention of these often terms of IP and commercial development (to debilitating disorders. Understanding their genetic support the current increased investment in basis offers hope for future development of HMR and to develop a case for increased specific therapeutic strategies and personalised treatment. HMR funding) We also aim to develop more detailed cost-benefit analyses of the The breast cancer project has evolved from a economic, health and social benefits of health long-standing interest in the physical and genetic and medical research. mapping of human chromosome 16. The mapping of locations of breast cancer tumour suppressor Send your information to [email protected]

5 Melbourne Convention Centre 25th-29th November 2002 www.ahmrcongress2002.conf.au

The Australian Health and Medical Research Congress sets a new benchmark for scientific dialogue in Australia. 50 major symposia, 30 invited international speakers, 25 participating societies Registrations and abstract submissions are now being received.

AHMRC Particpating Societies Monday 12th August Australian Physiological & Pharmacological Society Australasian Research Management Society Australasian Society of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacologists & Toxicologists  Abstract submission Australian Society for Medical Research Australasian Society for the Study of Obesity deadline High Blood Pressure Research Council of  Earlybird registration Australia National Association of Research Fellows Vicctorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium Australian Atherosclerosis Society Australian Diabetes Society ANZ Society of Nephrology Australian Rheumatology Association Friday 13th September Australian Society for HIV Medicine Inc Australasian Society for Infectious Disease Australian Society for Parasitology Australian Vascular Biology Society  Abstract submission Cardiac Society of ANZ Fertility Society of Australia deadline for Honours Human Genetics Society of Australasia students (posters only) International Society for Heart Research Matrix Biology Society of ANZ Perinatal Society of ANZ Society for Reproductive Biology Thoracic Society of ANZ Transplantation Society of ANZ

6 Invited Plenary speakers are:

• Michel Bouvier, University of Montreal, Canada Dr. Michel Bouvier was appointed the Hans-Selye chair of Cell Biology in the Université de Montréal and recently became the holder of a Canada Research Chair in Molecular Pharmacology and cell signalling. Professor Bouvier will speak to “Oligomeric Assembly of G Protein-coupled Receptors: Roles in Trafficking and Signalling”.

• Ele Ferrannini, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Italy Currently, Professor Ferrannini is Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Pisa School of Medicine and Chief of the Metabolism Unit of the National Research Council Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy. Professor Ferrannini will speak to “Obesity-Related Hypertension: The Challenges”.

• Gema Fruhbeck, Clinical University of Navarra, Spain. Dr Gema Frühbeck (R Nutr, MD, PhD), Head of the Metabolic Research Laboratory in the Department of Endocrinology at the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. Dr Fruhbeck will speak to “The adipocyte: rediscovering a pivotal node in endocrine and energy metabolism control”.

• Ed Harlow, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Harvard Medical School. Boston MA, USA. Professor Harlow is Chair and Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School and Scientific Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Centre. Professor Harlow will speak on “DNA tumour viruses and cancer”.

• Bertil Hille, University of Washington, USA Professor Bertil Hille has been at the department of Physiology and Biophysics of the University of Washington since 1968. He is an accomplished cell physiologist and membrane biophysicist. Professor Hille will speak to “How do G-Protein coupled receptors rule the mind?”

Dr Bronwyn Kingwell AHMRC Convenor ASMR Director

7 AHEC News

Human Research Ethics Handbook now 2002 National Workshop Series on available Privacy

On 8 March 2002 the Minister for Health and AHEC is again conducting workshops for Ageing, the Hon. Senator Kay Patterson, HREC members and others in all capital cities launched the Human Research Ethics and some regional centres. In 2002 the focus Handbook. The Handbook was developed of the Workshops is privacy. This is very by the Australian Health Ethics Committee topical because of the introduction of the (AHEC) of NHMRC as part of its commitment Privacy (Private Sector) Amendment Act to supporting researchers and human research 2000. This Act extended the coverage of the ethics committees. Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 to the private sector and included provision for the The Handbook is structured in several parts National Health and Medical Research Council to make information easy to find. The first part (NHMRC) to issue guidelines for the is a commentary on the National Statement protection of privacy in research and the on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving compilation and analysis of statistics in the Humans. The Commentary does not take the interests of public health and public safety, and place of the National Statement - rather it for the management of health services. contains information and explanation to assist researchers and human research ethics AHEC developed these guidelines, entitled committees. The National Statement remains Guidelines approved under Section 95A of as the primary and definitive source of ethical the Privacy Act 1988, and they were principles governing the conduct and review subsequently accepted by NHMRC and of research involving humans. approved by the Federal Privacy Commissioner. The Guidelines can be The Handbook contains two resource accessed on the web at collections - the Research Ethics Collection and http://www.nhmrc.gov.au. the Research Law Collection. Each of these contains essays/monographs/information on a The 2002 Workshops will provide information range of topics such as clinical trials, research and opportunities for discussion around the involving unconscious patients, genetic research Section 95 and Section 95A privacy and so on. guidelines, as well as relevant State and Territory legislation. The format will be a The Handbook also contains a publication from mixture of presentations and case study the Therapeutic Goods Administration entitled discussions and will be relevant to researchers, Human Research Ethics Committees and research administrators, human research ethics the Therapeutic Goods Legislation. This committee members and personnel in health publication is essential reading for researchers authorities and health service organisations. and ethics committees intending to undertake The Workshops commenced in Hobart in or consider applications for clinical trials. March and will then be held in Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, The Handbook has been made available in Albury, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin between PDF and HTML formats on the web at http:// 29 April and 24 May 2002. Full information www.nhmrc.gov.au or can be purchased including a registration form can be found on through Government Info Shops. Contact: the web at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au. Contact: Anne-Louise Liebeck on 02 6289 9519. Francine Kelly on 02 6289 9801.

Continued Page 9 8 NSC 2001

The 2001 ASMR NSC was held at the Marriott Congratulations Hotel on the Gold Coast. The conference was well attended by ASMR members from around Australia and a number of significant Biotechnology researchers and officials.The NSC Award Winners included stimulating addresses by Prof. Edison at the ASMR NSC 2001 Liu, head of the new Singapore Genomics Institute and Prof. Peter Andrews from the Medibank Private Institute of Molecular Biosciences at the Young Medical Researchers University of Awards Queensland. In addition, Robin Lyn Griffiths & Edison Liu at the Conference Dinner Williams was a welcome guest speaker at the conference dinner. The conference provided many chances for innovative scientific and social interactions. Professor Lyn Griffiths Genomics Rsh.Centre, Griffiths University Emma Baker (left), Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute AHEC News continued Vanessa Murphy, Mothers & Babies Research Centre, Xenotransplantation draft guidelines University of Newcastle released soon Marina Tchavtchitch (right) Queensland Institute of Medical Research The NHMRC working party, which is developing a discussion paper and draft guidelines on xenotransplantation, plans to Campion Ma Playoust Award release the draft for wide public consultation 2001 in the near future.

The discussion paper will cover ethical, scientific and technical issues relating to xenotransplantation and propose options for a regulatory regime in Australia. The draft guidelines will outline the conditions which must Aiden Marshall be met if xenotransplantation research involving Department of Pathology & Immunology, humans is to proceed.

AHEC would like to encourage researchers NARF to comment on the draft guidelines. A copy Post-doctoral Award 2001 of the guidelines will be available on the web Dr Stephen Nutt at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au or copies can be obtained by telephoning Milly Betteridge 02 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute 6289 9806.

9 Research Careers ASMR Submissions

NHMRC Career Development Awards ASMR Submissions on behalf of Health and Medical Reserach 2001 - 2002 In the first year of the new scheme 15 Biomedical, 5 Clinical and 6 Population Health awards were made and details appear on the  Review of the NSW Cancer Council NHMRC website. New features of 2002 Act application forms for funding in 2003 which include: specific details on how applications will be assessed in term of the inclusion of a  Inquiry into matters arising from the “scoring matrix of 50 points” which is broken Post Mortem and Anatomical down into 30pts for track record, 5 pts for Examination Practices of the Institute career potential, 5pts for career development of Forensic Medicine, NSW opportunity, 5pts for research proposal (taking into consideration goals of the scheme), 5 pts for quality of research environment.  Child Health Research Institute SA Applications are due April 26th 2002 and full details are now available from the NHMRC website:  Women’s and Children’s Hospital, http://www.health.gov.au/nhmrc/funding/ SA careerdev.htm

The restructuring of Research Institutes  Proposed Guidelines for Laboratory Containment of Pathogenic It is evident that the future careers of research Microorganisms officers and fellows are/will be effected as a result of the de-blocking of funding from Research Institutes. The ASMR is planning a  Human Reproductive Cloning and the series of modules, which will be designed to Trans-Species Fertilisation Bills, NSW be used in a workshop-setting, to assist researchers in developing a skill-base that will enable them to manage and direct their own  Protection of Human Genetics careers. Information Issues Paper

Further updates on this initiative will be available Performance Indicators from the ASMR website.  Human Embryonic Stem Cells ASMR is collecting examples of current and recent NHMRC funded research projects which have led to significant outcomes in either basic, clinicalThese or documents public health may or in termsbe viewed of IP and at the commercial development (to support the current increased investmentASMR in HMRWebsite and to develop a case for increased HMR funding). We also aim to develop more detailed cost-benefit analyses of the Dr Catherine Coulter, Convenor economic, health and social benefits of health and Research Careers Committee http://www.asmr.org.au/news/submissionsmedical research. Send your information to: [email protected]

10 ASMR Board meets in ACT

The Board of Directors of ASMR met in Canberra last month. Meetings held over two days at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, allowed the Board to meet with representatives of ASMR’s Affiliate Member Societies and entertain guests at a Reception attended by His Excellency the Right Reverend Dr AC OBE, Governor General of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Ann Hollingworth. The Reception provided an informal opportunity to discuss issues of critical importance to Health and Medical Research in Australia with federal politicians, officials and the local scientific community.

Professor Judith Whitworth, Director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research, kindly made available the facilities of the School to host the ASMR Board Meeting and associated events

The Governor General and Mrs Hollingworth arrive at JCSMR greeted by Dr Moira Clay (ASMR President- elect) and Professor Peter Schofield (President) Prof J Hearn, Dep. Vice Chancellor (Research)ANU (right), Professor Alan Pettigrew, CEO NHMRC, Dr Hollingworth and Prof. Peter Schofield, President ASMR.

Photos by Mark Fenning, John Curtin School of Medical Research Photography Dr Hollingworth addresses Guests at the Reception

$5000.00

ASMR Research Award 2002

This Award will support a postgraduate student member nearing completion of their studies or a recently graduated postdoctoral ASMR member to undertake research in laboratories outside their home city.

The Award specifically excludes support for conference attendance.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday 30th September, 2002

Full details from: www.asmr.org.au/resfund/intro.html

11 Commonwealth Health Minister’s AMGEN Medical Researcher Award Award for Excellence in Health 2002 and Medical Research An Award for Research Excellence Senator the Hon Kay Patterson has called for nominations for the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research for the year a function of 2002. the Australian Society for Medical Research The Annual Award is now in its third year and consists of $50,000 and presentation medal. AMGEN Australia Pty Ltd are continuing their support Nominations for the year 2002 Award close of Australian research 5pm Tuesday 30th April, 2002. through The AMGEN Medical Researcher Award Enquiries: which will be presented [email protected] during ASMR Medical (R) or Research Week [email protected]

The Winner of the Award will receive a plaque and the reasonable costs (up to $5000) for travel, accommodation expenses and registration at an international meeting of their choice.

Applications must be postmarked no later than May 3rd 2002.

Full information from:

http://www.asmr.org.au/mrw

ASMR Directors 2002

Prof Peter Schofield, President Dr Moira Clay, President Elect A/Prof A Sinclair, Hon Sec Dr Rohan Baker, Hon Treasurer Dr Alaina Ammit Dr Anthony Armson Dr Catherine Coulter Dr Ricky Johnstone Dr Bronwyn Kingwell Dr Mike McGuckin Dr Giuseppe Simonetta

145 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000. Ph: 02 9256 5450, Fax: 02 9252 0294, Email: [email protected] Website: www.asmr.org.au Snr Executive Officer: Catherine West. Newsletter Ed. A/Prof Andrew Sinclair ACN 000 599 235 ABN 18 000 599 235

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