NSCC looks towards global stage

Prof Alan Trounson is stepping away from his role as CEO of the National Stem Cell Centre (NSCC) to become its Global Science Strategic Advisor, with a focus on expanding the centre's international relationships and influence.

Trounson has been named Founder and Executive Vice President of the NSCC Board of Directors, and will also play a leading role in coordinating the Monash University stem cell centre team, including Associate Professors Martin Pera and Richard Boyd, Professor Graham Jenkin, Dr Andrew Elefanty and Dr Edouard Stanley.

Monash will be consolidating and establishing its stem cell facility in the Monash University Science Technology Research Innovation Precinct (Monash STRIP) on the Clayton campus, in a move to strengthen its links to the NSCC.

"The developments at Monash University provide the key Monash scientists involved in stem cell research with the opportunity to bring their vision of a major new paradigm in medical therapy to the treatment of a wide range of severe and intractable diseases - Monash again leading the way," Trounson said in a statement.

Prof Nick Saunders, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at the university, said that the Monash effort would be a model for stem cell research in Australia, with highly regarded scientists working in partnership with the NSCC.

NSCC director and former Biota chief Dr Hugh Niall will temporarily assume the mantle of CEO, until a suitable candidate is found to take the position on permanently.

"Alan has done a tremendous job in bringing the complex elements of the Centre together and building the foundation for world class stem cell research in Australia," said NSCC chairman Bob Moses.

"He will be able to continue his contribution to the NSCC and coordinate several major Monash University stem cell research programs which will be progressively brought under one roof at the Monash STRIP over the next 12-18 months."

The $60 million NSCC is moving from establishment to an operational phase.