11 August 2009
Monash University will celebrate the great minds and innovative thinking through Research Matters, a program of free public lectures, seminars, and information sessions that will profile University research and its impact on the world we live in.
The two-week program will be headlined by a panel discussion on the latest advances in regenerative medicine including stem-cell research on Tuesday 18 August.
Over the past 50 years Monash University researchers have been the driving force behind innovations that have impacted millions of people around the world. Monash researchers have created lives and saved them with innovations such as IVF and the anti-flu drug Relenza.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish said Research Matters, which runs from 17 to 28 August, allowed Monash to share and be proud of the quality and impact of its research.
"Research is so important in order to solve some of the big challenges that we face in Australia and across the world," Professor Cornish said. "I invite everyone to come along and experience this action-packed two weeks of events, lectures and tours."
A wide range of events and programs have been developed for the community, researchers and future research students.
The public lecture series will be a feature of the celebrations and includes,
Building Better Muscles on Tuesday 18 August will focus on the importance of muscles to everyday health and sporting performance, and feature a discussion on the latest advances in regenerative medicine and innovative technology. The panel will be chaired by Dr Andrew Rochford from the Channel 9 program What's Good for You and will include Professor Nadia Rosenthal from the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Dr Lucy Burns, founder of Australia's Biggest Book Group, and Sam Mackinnon who has represented Australia at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics.
Towards Two Billion Cars, Transforming Cars, Fuel and Mobility on Thursday 20 August will examine how our transport monoculture can evolve through using technology to improve fuel economy, replace the internal combustion engine and provide enhanced personal mobility options.
Forecasting our Future -- Climate Change and Air Quality in the 21st Century on Thursday 27 August will review the current understanding of climate processes and observed changes including the important role played by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Includes guest speaker Guy Brasseur from the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research.
Research Matters was established two years ago to celebrate research achievements, recognise the significant contributions made by staff and research students and to show the wider community why research matters. For more information visit the Research Matters website.
Media contact, Karen Sutherland on +61 431 959 510 or Shaunnagh O'Loughlin on +61 3 9903 4843 or +61 448 574 148.
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