Alan Trounson receives honorary doctorate

The University has awarded an honorary doctorate to IVF and stem cell pioneer, Emeritus Professor Alan Trounson. 

Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel conferred the Doctor of Laws honoris causa upon Professor Trounson at a ceremony last week.

Professor Trounson's association with Monash began in 1977. He went on to drive cutting-edge research programs and hold leadership positions within the University.

As Director of the Centre for Early Human Development he was one of the founding members, with Professor David de Kretser, of the Monash Institute of Medical Research. He founded the Australian Stem Cell Centre and was the Director of the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne said Professor Trounson's distinguished research career and contributions to the community made him a worthy recipient of one of the University's highest honours.

“Professor Trounson has changed countless lives for the better through his work in IVF and continues to push the boundaries of discovery through his vitally important work on the production of human embryonic stem cells," Professor Byrne said.

"It is wonderful to able to recognise his contribution to science and scholarship in this way."

In 2008 Professor Trounson became President of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine in San Francisco. He is leading global efforts to translate stem cell research into clinical treatments.