New director for Mater Medical Research Institute

The Mater Medical Research Institute (MMRI) has announced the appointment of Professor John Prins to the role of CEO and Institute Director.

Professor Prins is an active clinician-scientist, a key opinion leader in diabetes and endocrinology in Australia and sits on numerous national and international scientific, clinical and educational committees and boards for NHMRC, non government organisations and industry.

He has a strong educational focus and gives over 50 presentations per year at local, national and international scientific and clinical meetings.

Professor Prins undertook his clinical training in endocrinology in Brisbane and then completed a PhD in adipose tissue biology at The University of Queensland.

His first postdoctoral research appointment was at the University of Cambridge, UK, based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. He returned to Brisbane in 1998 after being awarded a Wellcome International Senior Research Fellowship.

Welcoming Professor Prins to the MMRI, Professor Ian Zimmer, Chairman of the MMRI Board, said: “We are delighted John has agreed to join us. The MMRI is going through an exciting time of change and growth and we are confident that John’s appointment will serve to enhance an already well respected institution.”

Speaking on his appointment to the role, Professor Prins commented, “I look forward to working with the very talented team at MMRI, to develop its excellent science and further the integration with clinicians. There are some wonderful opportunities ahead and I am excited to be leading the MMRI into those times.”

Professor Prins will commence his role on 5 October 2009.