Prestigious international appointment

Professor Ismail Kola, currently director of the Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, has recently been appointed vice-president of Research and global head of Genomics and Bio-Informatics at the major drug company Pharmacia & Upjohn.

In 1998, Professor Kola founded the Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease, one of the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development's major research centres.

Professor Kola will be based in Michigan in the US and will administer research programs being undertaken around the world, including in Australia.

Professor David de Kretser, director of the Institute of Reproduction and Development, said the prestigious appointment was the culmination of many years of dedicated research development by a talented scientist.

"We are looking forward to having a strong advocate for Australian science in the higher echelons of a major international pharmaceutical company," he said.

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Honour for Monash musician

Andre de Quadros, senior lecturer/conductor in the School of Music, has been invited to join the prestigious international jury for the first Choir Olympics to be held in July 2000 in Linz, Austria.

This event will be the largest choir competition ever held and will be conducted under the patronage of the President of Austria and in collaboration with the European Union.