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Tuesday, 14 December 1999

A leading biotechnologist has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Professor of Biotechnology of the University of Adelaide.

Dr Edwina Cornish, of Florigene Ltd, will take up the University positions in February 2000.

Florigene is an Australian biotechnology company that is using gene technology to develop new flower varieties for the cut-flower market.

Dr Cornish manages the company's research, product development and intellectual property activities.

She has been involved in the biotechnology industry since 1988. Previously, she was a researcher in the University of Melbourne's School of Botany. She is an Honorary Professorial Fellow in the School of Botany.

Dr Cornish, who holds a number of patents, has published widely and has played a leading role in Australia's research and innovation system.

She was a member of the Prime Minister's Science and Engineering Council and served on the Victorian Government's Science and Engineering Taskforce since its inception.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, Professor Mary O'Kane, said Dr Cornish was an exciting appointment for the University.

"Edwina Cornish will bring great experience and understanding of some of the key challenges facing a research University like Adelaide," Professor O'Kane said.

"These challenges include building on our excellent research capability to ensure we attain more research grants from government and industry, making the most of our valuable intellectual property, working effectively with industry, and making a contribution to dynamic growth areas such as biotechnology."