Lecturer, researcher and now Vice-President

Dr Michael O'Connor, Head of the UWS Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, is taking his leadership skills to new heights as the recently elected Vice-President of the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (opens in a new window) (ASSCR). The ASSCR is the peak body representing stem cell researchers and related professionals in both Australia and New Zealand. The society hosts an annual national conference, helps facilitate state-based meetings, and provides policy input on stem-cell-related issues to national and state governments. 

This exciting appointment will see Michael become the President of the society for two years (in 2015 and 2016) once he has served two years as Vice-President (in 2013 and 2014).

Michael says this position will provide UWS with significant input into the expanding and cutting-edge field of regenerative medicine. "These ASSCR leadership roles will greatly increase the profile of UWS in the stem cell field, and will give both myself and the University the opportunity to provide input on how the stem cell field develops in Australia over the next five to 10 years," says Michael.

Michael, from the School of Medicine (opens in a new window), lectures first- and second-year medicine students and also supervises numerous PhD, Masters and Honours students, all of whom will benefit from Michael's new appointment. "UWS students and scientists involved in stem cell research will now have a higher profile at national and regional stem cell conferences, and an increased ability to interact with the leading stem cell scientists in Australia," he explains.

As part of his role at UWS, Michael investigates how specific proteins maintain stem cells as stem cells. He also uses stem cells to investigate both normal and disease development, particularly relating to the ocular lens and cataract, as well as the retina and macular degeneration. Michael also has active academic and commercial collaborations at the national and international level using stem cells to model neural and intestinal development, as well as cell attachment. These collaborative projects include partnerships with the CSIRO, University of Marseille (France), University of Wollongong, University of Sydney, the UWS School of Science and Health and the UWS School of Medicine.

Read more about Dr Michael O'Connor and his research in his staff profile (opens in a new window). To find out more information about the Australian Society for Stem Cell Research, visit the society's webpage (opens in a new window).