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Leading MS researcher joins stem cell laboratories

17 August 2005

Monash's focus on stem cell science has expanded to include multiple sclerosis, following the appointment of prominent immunologist Professor Claude Bernard to the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories.

Professor Bernard (pictured) and members of his research team will join the laboratories in September, working alongside leading stem cell scientists Professor Alan Trounson and Associate Professor Richard Boyd.

Professor Bernard is internationally renowned for his research into the underpinnings of MS and the development of new therapies for people with the disease. Only a handful of researchers worldwide are looking at the use of stem cells in repairing damage to the brains of people with MS.

Professor Bernard, who is foundation director of the Neuroimmunology Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at La Trobe University, said the move to Monash provided a tremendous opportunity to bring his team's knowledge of MS together with the expertise of other groups within the university.

"My focus is to develop MS research in a number of areas, using the many talented scientists at Monash to provide a multidisciplinary response to auto-immune diseases," he said.

Professor Bernard's appointment has attracted a $20,000 donation from the private human research ethics company Bellberry Ltd. Bellberry is a not-for-profit organisation that provides an independent Human Research Ethics Committee to help process human research trials.

Bellberry director Professor Malcolm Mackinnon said demand for the review of human research through public hospitals was high, placing a large load on public hospital human ethics committees.

At a function at the Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct last week, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Professor Edward Byrne, welcomed the Bellberry donation and congratulated Professor Bernard on his appointment.

"Multiple sclerosis is the major cause of neurological disability in younger Australians," he said. "Professor Bernard is a world-renowned researcher in this field, and we are grateful that a company that is clearly providing a revolutionary new way to assist innovative research in this country has chosen to support his work."

Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said it was great to have a neuroimmunologist of Professor Bernard's stature coming to work in the innovative and exciting environment of the laboratories. Professor Larkins also thanked Bellberry for its donation.