Presented To Professor Alan Trounson on 19^th October 2005

The Rotary Club of Melbourne established its Vocational Service Award in 1964.  It is presented annually to a person who has achieved a high level of excellence in their vocation and through such vocation has rendered outstanding service to the community.

Alan Trounson is Professor and Director of Stem Cell Research at Monash University, and is the Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of the National Biotechnical Centre of Excellence - "National Stem Cell Centre", as well as Global Scientific Strategy Adviser.

Professor Trounson graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1971 with a M.Sc. in Wool and Pastoral Sciences; in 1974 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Animal Embryology by Sydney University.  From 1974 to 1976 he was awarded the Dalgety Research Fellow at the ARC Institute of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry at Cambridge University.  In 1977, he was appointed Senior Research Fellow at Monash University, and by 1984 was a Reader in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  He was appointed Director of the Centre for Early Human Development in 1985, and in 1991 was awarded a Personal Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology/Paediatrics at Monash University.

His scientific accomplishments include; the pioneering of human in vitrio fertilisation and associated reproductive technologies; the diagnosis of inherited genetic disease in pre-implantation embryos; the discovery and production of human embryonic stem cells and their ability to be directed into neurones, prostate tissue and respiratory tissue.  His present research interests are focused on human embryonic stem cells and their suitability for transplantation for the treatment of inflammatory lung disease and cystic fibrosis.

He has written and edited many books and scientific publications on reproductive biology and medicine, and regenerative medicine.  He has also founded a number of companies.

Professor Trounson operates in a highly controversial field of medical and scientific endeavour requiring outstanding commitment and courage.  This has been recognised by the numerous international medals and awards he has received.

In presenting the Vocational Service Award for 2006 to Professor Alan Trounson, we recognise and applaud his distinguished Vocational Service through his expertise in a pioneering field of science.