Public lecture from guest Professor

Research at the cutting edge of biomedical sciences will be discussed in a public lecture to be held on April 2 at the Queensland Brain Institute.

Hosted by the School of Biomedical Sciences, the event will feature an address from Professor Tony McMichael, an Australia Fellow (NHMRC) at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health within the Australian National University.

Professor McMichael will talk about the highs, lows and joys of his research in environmental health.

An Adelaide University medical graduate, Professor McMichael was previously Professor of Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Over the past decade he has been an international leader, and an advisor to the World Health Organization and other UN agencies, in developing research on the health risks of climate change, including some particular emphasis on infectious diseases.

Professor McMichael’s address, entitled “People, Places and Planet: A Journey in Environmental Health” will be followed by a prize giving ceremony for undergraduate and Honours students who have excelled in the area of Biomedical Sciences.

Head of School, Professor Brian Key, said this year’s lecture was one not to be missed.

“The annual public lecture is a highlight for the School of Biomedical Sciences and, with such a distinguished academic speaking, the 2008 event is certain to be memorable,” Professor Key said.

While Professor Key has been present at many Biomedical Sciences public lectures, 2008 will be the first time he has attended as Head of School.

After five years as Deputy Head, Professor Key was promoted to the Head of School position in January.

At the same time, a new Deputy Head and two new senior academics were appointed, providing the School with a fresh leadership team and a new direction.

Wednesday’s lecture will begin at 5.30pm in the QBI Seminar Room, UQ St Lucia.

MEDIA: Michelle Hall at the School of Biomedical Sciences (m.hall@uq.edu.au, 07 3365 3387) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (penny.robinson@uq.edu.au, 07 3365 9723).