Genetics expert to head new research role at Uni of Adelaide

Professor Robert Saint Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Strategy)
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Wednesday, 16 January 2013

The University of Adelaide has appointed an internationally renowned genetics expert to a new role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Strategy). Professor Robert Saint, who is currently Dean, Faculty of Science, and Professor of Genetics at the University of Melbourne, will take up the position in July 2013.

Announcing the appointment, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Brooks said that the new position will be a key leadership role with a primary focus on research strategic planning, investment in special initiatives, compliance and regulatory responsibilities, and the development of research alliances and partnerships.

"Professor Saint is one of Australia's most respected scientists and academics. His strong leadership and vision will help the University of Adelaide harness its tremendous research strengths to tackle the big research questions," said Professor Brooks.

"Managing the research strategy in an era of global partnerships and internationalisation is absolutely fundamental to the University realising its ambitious research objectives.

"We want to build on our recent success in the Excellence in Research for Australia results and consolidate our reputation as an internationally renowned research-intensive university operating across a wide spectrum of excellent disciplines."

Professor Brooks said that Professor Saint's capacity to manage significant international research portfolios, in addition to his extensive research leadership and senior management experience would prove invaluable.

"Enticing Professor Saint back to Adelaide is a testament to the University of Adelaide's reputation for research excellence and its commitment to future research growth outlined in our new strategic plan Beacon of Enlightenment.

"To have someone of Professor Saint's standing as part of the leadership team is a real coup."

Professor Saint said he was delighted to be returning to Adelaide and was eager to commence working with the University of Adelaide research community.

"I am truly delighted to be returning to the University of Adelaide. Much of the strong international reputation of the University of Adelaide is based on its outstanding research, which is also a key factor in the very high quality of the University's teaching and research training," said Professor Saint.

"We are entering a period in which research has never been more crucial in dealing with the challenges that face us. The University of Adelaide will play an increasing role in tackling these problems and contributing to our knowledge base, which is vital to our community's well-being."

BACKGROUND BIOGRAPHY

Graduating from the University of Adelaide where he studied gene structure in the earliest days of recombinant DNA technology, Professor Robert Saint is currently Dean, Faculty of Science and Professor of Genetics at the University of Melbourne. Prior to this he was Professor of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, and Director of the ARC Special Research Centre for the Molecular Genetics of Development.

He spent three years at the Stanford University School of Medicine studying the molecular genetics of embryonic development. In Australia he has worked at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, the CSIRO and the University of Adelaide where he was appointed Professor of Genetics and Dept. Head in 1994. He was an ARC Special Investigator from 1997-1999. His main research interests continue to be developmental genetics and cell biology. Professor Saint is a standing member of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council.

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