Plenary Session 4

Wednesday, 15 October 2008 15:30 - 17:00, Auditorium

Chair Anthony E Woods University of South Australia 
The Human Genome Project: Was It Worth The $3 Billion?
  • Dr Bob Williamson, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne

Prof Bob Williamson became Professor of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, Imperial College London, in 1976. In 1995 he moved to Melbourne as Director of the Murdoch Institute and Professor of Medical Genetics, retiring in 2004. He identified or cloned genes for thalassaemia, craniofacial abnormalities, cystic fibrosis, myotonic dystrophy and Alzheimer disease. He takes a major interest in national science policy and ethics. He is an Honorary Fellow of the RACP, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Fellow of the Royal Society and Officer of the Order of Australia.

Medical Science Applications of the Australian Synchrotron
  • Dr Daniel Häusermann, Australian Synchrotron

Dr Daniel Häusermann gained his PhD in x-ray optics and advanced synchrotron radiation techniques in the UK. After working at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and the Advanced Photon Source in Chicago, he joined the Australian Synchrotron where he is responsible for designing and building the Imaging and Medical Therapy facility.

Future Trends in Global Health
  • Prof Sir Gustav Nossal, Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne

Gustav Nossal was born n Austria in 1931, and came to Australia in 1939. In 1965 he was appointed Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, a position he held from 1965-1996. Sir Gustav is currently a consultant for the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He was formerly Chariman of the Global Foundation Advisory Committee. He was Deputy Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation from 1998 to 2000. He was knighted in 1977, made a companion in the order of Australia in 1989 and appointed Australian of the Year 2000.