Cutting-edge surgical training facility to open at the University of Sydney

Apr 17 2008

A new facility for the training of the next generation of microsurgeons in both molecular biology and advanced surgical techniques will be officially opened by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, at the University of Sydney on Tuesday 22 April.

Established through a partnership between the Microsearch Foundation of Australia, the Bosch Institute and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney, the facility will combine state of the art molecular biology and tissue culture laboratories with a world class microsurgery suite.

Providing accommodation for up to 14 surgery students alongside basic researchers from a variety of disciplines, the laboratories will enable Microsearch to support improvements in surgical techniques and technologies, and will facilitate translational research in areas such as stem cell biology, gene therapy, tissue engineering and transplantation.

Since its foundation in 1973 by Professor Earl Owen AO, Microsearch has been at the forefront of innovation in the development of the microsurgical techniques allowing reattachment of severed limbs, hand and face transplantation and restoration of fertility in both men and women.

Microsearch became part of the University of Sydney in 2006, following the retirement of Professor Owen.

Synergy between the goal of Microsearch to foster closer links between surgeons and basic researchers, and the mission of the Bosch Institute to encourage translation of basic discoveries to clinical applications, has resulted in the establishment of this new facility.

As part of the ceremony, Professor Earl Owen AO will be presented with the Legion d'Honneur by the French Ambassador to Australia in recognition of his contribution to medical research.

When: Tuesday 22 April at 10am. Where: The Grandstand Function Centre inside the Bruce Williams Pavilion

Notes

• Professor Earl Owen AO was the first surgeon in the world to successfully re-join the severed finger of a child.
• Microsearch became a division of the Medical Foundation of the University of Sydney in 2006.
• Microsearch supports the training of the next generation of microsurgeons through the provision of two scholarships each year and investment in research infrastructure.
• The Bosch Institute conducts medical research in five major areas, and is a joint initiative between the University of Sydney and the Sydney South West Area Health Service.