de Kretser returns as Monash IR&D director

Reproductive biologist Prof David de Kretser has returned to the director's role at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development (IRD).

De Kretser was the founding director of the IRD, handing over the reins to Prof Alan Trounson in 2001.

He spent the past year coordinating Monash's biotechnology strategies as associate dean of biotechnology development in the Faculty of Medicine and has also worked to advance the development of the Monash Institutes of Health in his role as executive chairman.

de Kretser will replace Trounson, who is to take up the position of CEO ith the new Biotechnology Centre of Excellence in Stem Cells and Tissue Repair.

de Kretser said the IRD would maintain links with the stem cell centre while continuing its research into prostate disease, male infertility, the mechanisms behind disorders of prematurely born children and functional genomics.

"This is an exciting time for the institute as our researchers continue to make significant progress in each of these fields," he said. "For example, at the Centre for Molecular Reproduction and Endocrinology researchers are focused on determining the causes of male infertility and developing diagnostic tests. "The centre's insights into male reproduction are forming the basis for the development of novel, safe and reversible contraceptives and therapies."

Since its inception in 1991 the IRD has grown from 70 researchers to more than 200 scientists and graduate students.