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60 seconds with ... Dr Elane Zelcer

23 May 2007

Dr Elane Zelcer.

Name: Dr Elane Zelcer
Org. Unit: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Administration
Title: Principal Advisor, Industry Engagement, and Chief Operating Officer, Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation (the Centre).

How long have you been a member of the Monash team?
I've been back at Monash for 3½ years, working initially at the STRIP, and more recently with Professor Edwina Cornish, the DVC (Research) and the Centre.

Prior to your work here at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
Immediately prior to coming back to Monash, I was consulting in areas associated with development of early stage life science and technology companies. Prior to that I was CEO of a company called Kinacia, that Professor Hatem Salem, Professor Shaun Jackson and I spun out of Monash. We raised significant venture capital, and developed new chemical entities to prevent heart attack and stroke, now being further developed by a major pharmaceutical company.

Your business career has been extensive -- which areas have you found personally the most rewarding?
It is always interesting and challenging to work with new or rapidly changing activities in organisations, whether it is a new business area such as the STRIP, or a rapidly growing one such as the Centre in the School of Historical Studies, Faculty of Arts.

I really enjoy working with emerging technologies, particularly those associated with the life sciences. There are significant challenges associated with these high risk ventures, and through the continuous "ups" and "downs" that accompany the transfer of technology and business development, there are great learning opportunities.

What have been some of the outcomes of the Monash Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct (STRIP)?
The STRIP provided the opportunity for Monash to increase its commercialisation activity and explore ways of collaborating with business. At least three of the companies located in the STRIP continue to work with researchers across Monash on commercial projects -- a good outcome over a relatively short time.

What is one of your most recent projects?
My recent role as COO of the Australian Centre of Jewish Civilisation (the Centre) has generated a number of very interesting projects. At the moment we are focussed on the launch of the largest Visual History Archive in the world -- Monash is a partner with the University of Southern California in this project.

The Archive, developed initially by Steven Spielberg, contains 52,000 video testimonies of survivors of the Holocaust, and has been compiled in 32 languages and from people in 56 countries. It is a remarkable collection that has been digitised and indexed -- so it is really "e-research in action."

The Centre is using the Archive in its Program of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, teaching students about the impact of genocide in the modern world. The launch of access to this Archive will raise awareness across the community, including the Monash community, creating the opportunity for new projects across all faculties.

When you're not reading business-related material, what do you enjoy reading?
Getting into a good espionage-type novel, usually when travelling, is definitely a great escape, particularly when combined with classical music via my iPod.

Of all the destinations you have visited, where is your favourite and why?
I always enjoy being in cold climates, and have two favourite places: Colorado because of the great skiing, magnificent mountains and fun times with friends, and the Arctic because of its remoteness and stark beauty.

What is something about you that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
Most probably that I've dog-sledded 300km across the Canadian Arctic, with five other people, three teams of dogs and two snowmobiles. It was a fantastic experience -- particularly driving my own sled with a team of 10 dogs. They just love to run and pull, have wonderful enthusiasm in sub-zero temperatures and are great examples of teams at work!