Eminent Professor to give Millis Oration at AusBiotech 2010

The Millis Oration, continually one of the most popular plenary speaker sessions at AusBiotech’s annual conference, is named in honour of Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis AC. A highly-respected global leader in molecular biology, Millis Oration speaker Prof Rosenthal’s research has, for the last decade, concentrated on molecular mechanisms of mammalian development, ageing and regeneration.

Prof Rosenthal’s longstanding interest in the biology of insulin-like growth factors and downstream effectors has led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to the attenuation of muscle atrophy in ageing, treatment of muscular dystrophies and heart disease.

The Millis Oration, to be held on Thursday morning of AusBiotech 2010, in Melbourne from 19 – 22 October, will include introductory remarks from CSL director of research and development and chief scientific officer, Dr Andrew Cuthbertson.

Prof Rosenthal has been head of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Mouse Biology Unit in Rome since 2001, and was awarded EMBO membership, and the Ferrari-Soave prize in cell biology.

Rosenthal has served on numerous international grant review committees, advisory panels and editorial boards and coordinates several major EU consortia on mouse genetics and disease models. She holds a professorship of cardiovascular science and co-directs the Harefield Heart Science Centre with Sir Magdi Yacoub.

AusBiotech 2010 is the annual conference of AusBiotech and the premier biotechnology conference for Australia and the Asia-Pacific. The conference attracts over 1,400 delegates from across the world each year and is renowned for its agenda-setting programs, significant business analysis and world class Business Matching Program.

For additional event information visit the conference website at: www.ausbiotech2010.com.au.

About the Millis Oration

The Millis Oration is named in honour of Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis AC, who has made a vast contribution to biotechnology as one of the pioneers of fermentation technology study in Australia and was a lecturer in microbiology and Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne.

Millis was appointed MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire (civil) for her work and was later appointed AC – Companion of the Order of Australia. She is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and an honorary life member of the Australian Society for Microbiology and AusBiotech.

Prof Millis chaired the federal government's agency for the surveillance of genetic engineering.

About AusBiotech

AusBiotech is Australia’s voice on biotechnology, and represents more than 3,000 members, encompassing medicines, medical diagnostics and devices, agriculture, alternative fuels and climate change.

For further information, interviews, or media registration for AusBiotech 2010, please contact:

Jessica Sealby Buchan Pty Ltd Business Strategy | Communication | Public Policy T: 03 9866 4722 | F: 03 9867 1716 E: jsealby@bcg.com.au | W: bcg.com.au

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