The Robinson Institute

Research in reproductive health and regenerative medicine i

The Robinson InstituteResearch Centre for Reproductive HealthResearch Centre for Early Origins of Health and DiseaseCentre for Stem Cell Research

Research in reproductive health and regenerative medicine

The University of Adelaide | The Robinson Instituteii

ContentsThe Robinson Institute 1

People 2

Awards and Research Achievements 4

Research Milestones 5

Research Centre for Reproductive Health 7

Research Centre for the Early Origins of Health and Disease 8

Centre for Stem Cell Research 9

Careers 10

The Robinson Institute• Research Centre for Reproductive Health• Research Centre for Early Origins of Health and Disease• Centre for Stem Cell Research


Research in reproductive health and regenerative medicine 1

Our purposeThe Institute exists to facilitate world-class research and teaching that signifi cantly advances medical science relating to:

• male and female reproductive biology and health

• intergenerational health

• fetal, neo-natal and infant health

• the obtaining of quality evidence in women’s and infant’s health

• the interaction between genetics and the environment

• animal reproductive technologies

• stem cell biology and its implications for society

• the translation of research fi ndings into clinical services and commercial outcomes for community health and economic benefi ts

The Robinson Institute is named after renowned obstetrician Professor Jeffrey Robinson who promoted the strong research culture in reproductive medicine at the University of Adelaide. It encompasses three of the University of Adelaide’s leading research centres:

• Research Centre for Reproductive Health• Research Centre for Early Origins of Health and Disease• Centre for Stem Cell Research

The Robinson Institute

Our aspirationsThe Institute will:

• attract and inspire fi rst-class researchers, teaching staff and students

• produce world-leading research outputs

• provide outstanding education and training

• translate research into fi rst rate clinical services

• facilitate substantial improvements in human and animal reproductive health and early development from conception to old age, in the community, and across the world

• be the leading institute of its type in the world

2 The University of Adelaide | The Robinson Institute

People

The Robinson Institute, led by Professor Robert Norman, is the shared vision of its director and centre directors and brings together a unique blend of people, including over 200 research staff and students, with a wide range of skills and a strong commitment to achieve excellence. Our collaborative approach brings together clinical and research leaders in reproductive health and regenerative medicine, and results in world leading, multidisciplinary research.

Institute Director Professor Robert Norman

Professor Robert Norman, Principal Research Director in the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide, is a subspecialist in reproductive medicine (CREI) and endocrine biochemistry (FRCPA), and an active clinician at Repromed in Adelaide. His research has focused on Assisted Reproductive Technology and reproductive endocrinology, particularly Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and the effect of lifestyle on reproductive outcomes and periconception medicine. He is the leader of the NHMRC Program grant on ’Periconceptual origins of health and disease’ and has published 250 peer-reviewed publications. He is also the past President of the Androgen-Excess PCOS Society, the major international society for PCOS and has served on the editorial board of Human Reproduction, Human Reproduction Update, RBM Online and Fertility and Sterility.

Research Centre Directors

Research Centre for Reproductive Health Directors:

Associate Professor Sarah RobertsonAssociate Professor Jeremy Thompson

Associate Professor Robertson is a NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and heads the reproductive immunology research group in the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide. Her research seeks to unravel the immune and cytokine networks of early pregnancy and to understand the mechanisms underpinning maternal immune tolerance to pregnancy.

Associate Professor Thompson joined the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide in 1999 with major roles that have included Director of Clinical Embryology and Deputy Director, now Director of the Research Centre for Reproductive Health. He is an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and his research focuses on improving clinical infertility treatment, perinatal and adult health and reproductive technologies for animal biotechnology.


Research Centre for Early Origins of Health and DiseaseDirector:

Professor Julie Owens

Co-Directors:

Associate Professor Michael DaviesAssociate Professor Vicki Clifton

Professor Owens joined the University of Adelaide in 1987 as a QEII ARC Research Fellow, then a NHMRC Research Fellow in the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and has subsequently served as Associate Dean Research, Head of Discipline of Physiology and now Head of School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health. Her research seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about early growth and development and how it is altered in major disease states, especially fetal growth restriction and its impact on health and risk of disease longer term. Professor Owens was awarded the highly prestigious McCance Medal by the Royal Society for Medicine UK in 1999

Associate Professor Davies is a Senior Research Fellow and epidemiologist in the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide. His research is focused on understanding the long-term consequences of social and environmental factors which impact on fetal growth and development to inform subsequent basic research and contribute to public health policy.

Associate Professor Clifton is a NHMRC Senior Research Fellow in the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Director of Research at the Lyell McEwin Hospital. She has a strong background in fetal growth, reproductive endocrinology and placental physiology with her research focusing on factors that program fetal development and neonatal adaptation, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular adaptation and neonatal immune response.

Centre for Stem Cell ResearchDirectors:

Associate Professor Mark NottleAssociate Professor Stan Gronthos

Associate Professor Nottle was awarded his PhD from the University of Adelaide and was General Manager of the Reproductive Biotechnology Division at BresaGen Limited. He has since returned to the University’s School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, and is a NHMRC Senior Research Fellow. His current research focuses on developing organ, tissue and cell replacement therapies with a particular interest in isolating animal adult and embryonic stem cells.

Associate Professor Gronthos founded the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Group at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science in 2002 and was later appointed Head of the Regenerative Medicine Program within the Division of Haematology. His research program focuses on identifi cation, purifi cation and characterisation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, adipose and dental tissues and has led to commercialisation of the intellectual property for different regenerative medicine applications.

The University of Adelaide | The Robinson Institute4

Cadence Minge2007 Young Investigator of the Year

Cadence Minge was named as the overall winner of The 2007 Young Investigator of the Year, which aims to reward excellence in South Australia’s young researchers in both science and their ability to communicate and ‘sell’ that science to the community. Cadence has been investigating the correlation of obesity and high dietary fat intake and impaired female reproductive health. She was also selected as a 2007 Fresh Scientist, a national competition that identifi es new and interesting research being done by early-career scientists around the country, giving her the opportunity to travel to Melbourne with sixteen other scientists for a day of media training.

Awards and Research Achievements

The Robinson Institute builds on the University of Adelaide’s international reputation for excellence in reproductive health and regenerative medicine, with staff and students achieving world fi rst milestones and enjoying a long list of local, national and international prizes and awards.

Professor John HopwoodThe 2008 SA scientist of the Year

In August 2008 Professor Hopwood was named 2008 Scientist of the Year as part of the prestigious South Australian Science Excellence Awards. This esteemed award recognises an individual’s outstanding achievement in any area of science research which signifi cantly advances knowledge and has the potential to produce social or economic benefi ts. As the Head of SA Pathology’s Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit (LDRU) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and an affi liate Professor in the University of Adelaide’s Discipline of Paediatrics, Professor Hopwood’s research is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of a group of inherited disorders known as lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The unit, together with industry partners, developed the fi rst effective therapies for two LSDs – Hunter and Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome – with many patients now effectively treated world-wide. They have also developed a novel program to enable newborn screening for LSDs, believed to affect 1:1000 births. Professor Hopwood has been further recognised with a ‘SA Great’ South Australian of the Year Science Award for establishing effective therapies for genetic disorders which affect children.

• The Australian Brain Foundation’s Elizabeth Penfold Simpson Prize

• Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Scientifi c Research fi nalist

• South Australian Telstra Business Women of the Year fi nalist

• SA Tall Poppy Awards

• SA Young Investigator Award

• SA ASMR Ross Wishart Memorial Prize

• ESHRE Established Scientist Award

• SRB Research Centre for Reproductive Health Mid Careers Researcher Award

• SA Scientist of the Year

• Australasian Menopause Society Award

• Premier’s Science Excellence Award

• SA Great Award for Health

• SA Great South Australian of the Year Award

Prizes awarded to members of the Institute include:

5Research in reproductive health and regenerative medicine

Research Milestones

1959 Professor Lloyd Cox, fi rst University of Adelaide Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, joined the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

1960’s Reproductive medicine established at the University of Adelaide and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

1962The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology became the fi rst of its kind to appoint a scientist, Ron Cox, in an academic position

1965 The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology appointed Bob Seamark as the second scientist in an academic position

1971 The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology established the fi rst donor sperm program and sperm bank in Australia (3rd in the world)

1979

The fi rst IVF program in South Australia was established and became the 3rd in Australia and 6th in the world to achieve an IVF birth (the clinician and scientist involved were John Kerin and Lou Warnes.)

1985 First birth in South Australia from a frozen embryo transfer was achieved

1986 Professor Jeffrey Robinson was appointed second Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

1987Professor Colin Matthews was appointed Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

1988

First NHMRC Program grant was awarded to Professor Hopwood of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for lysosomal assembly and function and renewed three times until 2004

1993

Australia became the third in the world to achieve a birth following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Australia achieved its fi rst birth following Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

1995 First pigs were produced from frozen embryos

2001 Australia’s fi rst cloned pig was produced

2002Professor Julie Owens and colleagues at the University of Adelaide established the Research Centre for Early Origins of Health and Disease


Research Milestones continued

2002

Professor Robinson and colleagues were awarded an NHMRC Program grant to research ‘Early Origins of Adult Disease’

First demonstration of persistant lenuviral airway gene transfer was achieved using a modifi ed HIV-1 virus vector, potentially due to gene transfer into airway stem cells

2003

Professor Norman and colleagues were awarded a second NHMRC Program Grant to study Reproductive Health for Women

University of Adelaide’s two reproductive medicine clinics were consolidated and relocated to the current custom built facility at Dulwich, Adelaide

2004

5000 babies were born from the University’s Reproductive Medicine Unit program

The Research Centre for Reproductive Health was established by Professor Norman and colleagues

2006

The Research Centre for Reproductive Health and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology moved from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to form a major centre at the University of Adelaide’s Medical School

2007

Professor Norman and colleagues were awarded a NHMRC Program grant entitled Periconceptual Foundation for a Healthy Start to Life

Formation of the School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health

Professor Julie Owens was appointed fi rst Head of School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health

2008

The Centre for Stem Cell Research was launched by Professors Mark Nottle and Stan Gronthos

Robinson Institute was formed

The world fi rst generation of regulatory T-cells in vitro from stem cells was published

The fi rst paper on the use of synchrotron phase contrast x-rays to image live mouse airways non-invasively was published, providing the potential for non-surgical assessment of successful therapeutic gene transfer in CF mice

2009 Golden anniversary (50 years) of the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology


The Research Centre for Reproductive Health was established in April 2004, arising from the Reproductive Medicine Unit of the University of Adelaide. The Centre is a world leader in the investigation and improvement of reproduction and reproductive health research spanning from oogenesis to post conception.

Research Centre for Reproductive Health

Aims • Undertake world-class fundamental and applied research in key aspects of

reproductive biology and medicine

• Provide national and international leadership in reproductive research and innovation

• Enhance interdisciplinary and collaborative links to build research capacity

• Devise research strategies to target clinical, industry and community needs

• Ensure the Centre’s future sustainability through actively sourcing research funding

• Provide infrastructure and core facilities to optimise research outcomes

• Facilitate commercial and clinical translation of research

ResearchResearch Centre for Reproductive Health research focuses on gonadal function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy and contraception.

Research Centre for Reproductive Health activities span molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics, endocrinology, immunology, epidemiology, statistics and mathematics across the disciplines of cell biology, physiology, pathology, public health and behaviour to deliver innovative, multidisciplinary research which can be translated into clinical outcomes.

The current research programs are:

• Basic and Clinical Science

• Ovarian and Follicular Function

• Nutrition, Environment and Reproduction

• Oocyte and Early Embryo Development

• Uterine Biology, Implantation and Placental Development

• Male Reproduction

• Reproductive Immunology

• Human and Animal Reproductive Biotechnology

• Health and Social Outcomes in Reproduction

• Early Life Programming of Health and Disease

• Cerebral Palsy

• Menopause

• Endometriosis


Aims• Understand how events in early life, including those experienced

by previous generations, can infl uence key aspects of our health

• Identify conditions during early life that promote health and minimise disease in later life and generations

• Identify modifi able factors in early life for use in clinical and public health interventions to promote lifelong health and to test such interventions

• Conduct original, fundamental and applied multidisciplinary research, addressing metabolic, neurological and reproductive health in offspring

• Build multi-disciplinary research capacity through strategic partnerships, career development, training and education

• Promote translation of research outcomes into better health through new and improved public health measures and clinical practice

ResearchEarly Origins of Health and Disease research focuses on those aspects of health that are profoundly infl uenced by events in early life and possibly in previous generations, including metabolic and cardiovascular health, reproductive health and a new emerging area, that of neurological function.

Our research programs span a continuum from epidemiological and ecological studies in humans and experimental paradigms in non-human species, to studies of the molecular, genetic and epigenetic basis of early life programming of health and disease.


• Intergenerational growth and risk of metabolic disorders

• Early life infl uences on obesity and fat patterning in children: environmental determinants and socio-cultural context

• Perinatal origins of neuromotor and cognitive dysfunction

• Maternal stress and sex differences in perinatal growth and survival: maternal asthma, fetal growth restriction

• Early life programming of diabetes and obesity: fetal growth restriction, maternal nutrition

Research Centre for the Early Origins of Health and Disease

The Research Centre for the Early Origins of Health and Disease is a leader in the investigation of the social and biological determinants of intergenerational health and the development of interventions to improve health of the individual in infancy, childhood and later in life, in Australia and globally.


Research The focus of the Centre for Stem Cell Research is on translating basic research into clinical and commercial outcomes via collaboration of its members, and with external partners.

The Centre for Stem Cell Research performs internationally recognised and awarded research on areas such as the isolation of adult and cord blood stem cells, clinical applications including potential cures for stroke damage and cardiac repair, as well as novel approaches to diseases such as cystic fi brosis and leukaemia.


• Stroke

• Cardiac Repair

• Tissue Repair

• Blood Disorders

• Cystic Fibrosis and other Inherited Disorders

• Immune Diseases

• Transplantation Research

• Developmental Biology

Aims• Undertake and foster world class stem cell research

• Establish and maintain local, national and international collaborative links in stem cell research

• Provide world class higher degree and research training opportunities

• Build public awareness, involvement and the profi le of stem cell research in South Australia

The Centre for Stem Cell Research is a collaborative initiative comprising eighteen mature research groups located in the Faculties of Sciences and Health Sciences, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Sciences and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Centre for Stem Cell Research


CareersDr Tamer HusseinClinical Embryologist/Researcher

Tamer completed his PhD in 2006 in the Research Centre for Reproductive Health. He now works as a clinical embryologist and researcher at Repromed Adelaide, where he is involved in the establishment and management of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Laboratory. He is also involved in Repromed’s clinical research program and is investigating the infl uence of oocyte secreted factors on cumulus cells, focusing on specifi c cumulus cell gene expression, metabolic profi les and energy substrate usage of cumulus oocyte complexes and subsequent embryos.

Dr Julia PitcherCareer Researcher

Julia completed her PhD in Neurophysiology in 2003 and was awarded the prestigious Australian Brain Foundation Elizabeth Penfold Simpson Prize for the most outstanding body of clinical or basic neuroscience research published in 2002-2003. As a NHMRC Peter Doherty Research Fellow, Julia established the Developmental Neuromotor Physiology research unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, one of only a handful of similar research groups in the world. Her research encompasses the underlying mechanisms of both normal and perturbed neuromotor development and their long-term health outcomes. In 2008 she was awarded a NHMRC project grant to investigate neuromotor and cognitive development in children born preterm.

The Robinson Institute is committed to world class education and training equipping staff and students with the necessary skills and opportunities to fulfi l their potential and achieve their goals. With such a strong focus on teaching and professional development, members are highly successful and go on to gain employment in a wide variety of areas both within Australia and overseas. Using the knowledge they have gained during their time at the Institute many students have successfully pursued careers in research and academia, while others have careers in science communication, and a range of industry positions in biotechnology companies and fertility clinics.


Professor John CarrollCareer Researcher

Professor John Carroll completed his PhD in the University of Adelaide’s Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1992 and has since become a world leader in his fi eld of research. Professor Carroll has published extensively in oocyte biology and is now the Associate Dean of Biosciences at University College London. His early work at the University of Adelaide examined cryopreservation and development of the mammalian oocyte for the purposes of developing new approaches for fertility preservation. John’s current research focuses on the cell biology of oocyte and early embryo development.

Dr Wendy IngmanCareer Researcher

Wendy is a successful early career researcher at the Research Centre for Reproductive Health. After completing her PhD in the Reproductive Immunology Laboratory in the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2002, she was awarded an NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship allowing her to work as a post doctoral scientist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, for 2 years. During this time she began developing new research interests on the role of immune cells called macrophages in the development of reproductive system. In 2008 she was awarded an NHMRC Project grant which allows her to continue this work as an independent researcher.

Dr Sean Flaherty and Dianna PayneIndustry

Dianna and Sean worked in the Reproductive Medicine Unit at the University of Adelaide. Dianna worked as a senior embryologist (1984-1999) and Sean as a senior scientist (1988-1995) and Head of the Gamete Laboratories (1996-1999). Since leaving the University, Dianna and Sean, in conjunction with Colin Matthews (Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Adelaide 1987-1998) have taken their experience and skills into the biotechnology sector and are Directors of the Pipette Company, which manufactures and supplies high quality micromanipulation pipettes to IVF Clinics and research institutions around the world.

Dr Melanie BaggScience Communication

Melanie completed her PhD in the Research Centre for Reproductive Health in 2007, where her research was focused on improving the effi ciency of in vitro oocyte maturation in the pig. Melanie now uses her knowledge and passion for science in her new role managing the Marketing & Outreach Team in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Melanie and her team have many roles including dealing with the media, visiting students in schools, international recruiting, and science communications.




Board of DirectorsMr Mark ColemanChairman

Professor Justin BeilbyExecutive DeanFaculty of Health SciencesThe University of Adelaide

Professor Mike BrooksDeputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research)The University of Adelaide

Professor Marie DziadekResearch Director, Cancer Development LaboratoryGarvan Institute of Medical Research

Professor Jock FindlaySenior Principal NHMRC Research FellowPrince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research

Professor Tanya MonroDirector, Centre of Expertise in PhotonicsSchool of Chemistry and PhysicsThe University of Adelaide

Mr Phil RobinsonExecutive Director of Clinical GovernanceChildren’s Youth and Women’s Health Service

Professor Paul RolanDiscipline of PharmacologySchool of Medical SciencesThe University of Adelaide

Professor Bik ToHead of HaematologyHanson Institute

Jeffrey RobinsonBSc (Honours), MB, BCh, BAO (Honours), FRACOG, FRANZCOG, CBE

Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Robinson, born in Northern Ireland, graduated from The Queens University Belfast in 1967 and after establishing a research career at the University of Oxford was appointed Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Newcastle in 1980. He was then appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide in 1996 following the retirement of Professor Lloyd Cox and served as Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology until 2006. During this time Professor Robinson was integral in developing and promoting the University of Adelaide’s outstanding reputation for excellence in research in obstetrics, gynaecology, reproductive medicine and biology.

Professor Robinson’s research examines the control of fetal and placental growth and development, with his focus on the effects of placental restriction, insulin-like growth factors and nutrition on fetal growth. He is also interested in how events before birth may predispose the individual to common adult diseases such as high blood pressure. Professor Robinson is internationally renowned and has published extensively in the area of fetal-maternal physiology. He has also enjoyed a distinguished career receiving numerous awards including a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2006, and the Women’s Hospitals Association Medal of Distinction. An Honorary Life Member of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Professor Robinson has also served as the president of the Federation of Australian, Asian and Oceania Perinatal Societies. While retired from clinical medicine he continues to participate in many research activities.

Research in reproductive health and regenerative medicine iii

The University of Adelaide | The Robinson Instituteiv

For further information please contact:

The Robinson InstituteLevel 6 Medical School North BuildingFrome RoadTHE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDESA 5005AUSTRALIA

Telephone: +61 8 8303 8166Email: [email protected]



www.adelaide.edu.au/robinson-institute

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The Robinson Institute

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