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New formulation science chair

10 August 2005

Dr Barrie Finnin, a senior lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutics, has been appointed the inaugural professor of formulation science at the Victorian College of Pharmacy.

His appointment followed a rigorous selection process after the creation, earlier this year, of the chair of formulation science -- the first of its type in Australia and one of only a few worldwide.

The dean of the Pharmacy faculty, Professor Colin Chapman, said Professor Finnin (pictured) would be responsible for the leadership, organisation, development and management of formulation science activities within the faculty.

"His duties will include management of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, strategic research development, and the further development of linkages with the many industries that have a dependence on formulation science," Professor Chapman said.

"One of Professor Finnin's first tasks will be to establish a Centre for Formulation Science with strong links to other parts of Monash University and with other universities, research institutes and allied industries."

Professor Finnin joined the Victorian College of Pharmacy in 1966, and his teaching responsibilities have included biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutical microbiology, formulation chemistry and product development.

He leads an internationally recognised transdermal drug delivery research program that led to the establishment of the pharmaceutical company Acrux Limited, which listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2004.

Professor Finnin said he was looking forward to his new role. "This provides an opportunity to develop an exciting new area of applied science with potential for impact on the international stage," he said.