International researcher returns home to lead stem cell initiative

Wednesday, 08 February, 2012

An internationally renowned respiratory specialist will lead a new Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, to be established at The University of Western Australia.

Professor Geoff Laurent - who is currently Director of the Centre for Respiratory Research and Head of Department of Internal Medicine at University College London - will be ‘returning home’ when he joins the university later this year. He was born and educated in Perth and attended UWA, where he obtained a science degree with first class honours and a PhD.

Professor Laurent currently directs a team of scientists and physicians conducting research into basic aspects of lung inflammation and mechanisms of tissue repair. Therapeutic approaches developed by his team are now being tested in patients suffering with chronic lung diseases.

He has published more than 200 articles in international journals of biomedical research and edited several books. He was recently awarded the European Respiratory Societies Presidential Award for his contribution to lung science and is currently its Director of Science. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and President of the British Association for Lung Research.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the university was extremely pleased to have been able to attract a researcher of Professor Laurent’s standing to lead a collaborative approach in this area of medical research.

Professor Johnson said UWA had significant internationally recognised stem cell expertise and the new centre would help the university take a leading global position in relation to stem cell research.

Professor Laurent said he was delighted to return to UWA to lead this new venture.

“Stem cell research and related technologies are already allowing us to replace or regenerate human tissues,” he said. “By building on our current talents and recruiting leading researchers to Perth, we will pioneer new technologies that may ultimately lead to improved patient care.”