Professor Ian Frazer to open Centre for Systems Biology

2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer, will officially open the Centre for Systems Biology (CSBi) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) on Wednesday 14 February 2007.

The Opening will be held at the USQ Clive Berghoffer Centre at USQ from 9.30-10.40am.

Ian Frazer is Director of the Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, a research centre of the University of Queensland at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

Last year he was awarded ‘Australian of the Year' for his development of a cervical cancer vaccine which experts say could eliminate cervical cancer in the next generation. At present approximately 55,000 women are affected by cervical cancer each year in Australia alone.

CSBi Director Associate Professor Mark Sutherland said he was keen to showcase Professor Frazer's work as an example of good science.

'Professor Frazer has done some really important scientific research that has addressed an important issue in women's health.' Associate Professor Sutherland said.

'The development of this vaccine by Professor Frazer demonstrates the advances that good science can make for the benefit of human society.

'By bringing him to a public forum we want to encourage young Australians to think about careers in science.'

After the launch Professor Frazer will give an address entitled; What's new in cancer prevention and treatment.

Scientists, representatives of industry, politicians and high school students will be among those invited to attend the event which will also be open to members of the public.

Associate Professor Sutherland said he hoped the address would inspire school students to consider careers in science.

'We need our very best students to take up careers in science to help our society address considerable challenges which lie ahead for human societies.

'Members of the public can also hope to gain a better understanding of research into effective treatments for cancer,' he said.

After the address Professor Frazer will tour CSBi laboratories to view the range of research activities undertaken by the Centre.

'The Centre's research activities involve collaborations between biological and computer scientists and seek to organise and interpret large biological data sets,' Associate Professor Sutherland said.

'The Centre conducts research in bioinformatics, plant sciences, muscle physiology, human disease and wine science.

'In these areas the Centre offers exciting Honours and postgraduate training opportunities,' he said.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Please contact Tania Moore on +61 7 4631 2265 for more information on the event.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092