Professor wins health and science awards

Professor Rob Norman.
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Friday, 20 November 2009

The University of Adelaide's Professor Robert Norman has become a dual winner in the 2009 South Australian of the Year Awards.

Professor Norman, a world-renowned reproductive health expert who is the Director of the Robinson Institute at the University, was last night named the winner in both the Health and Science categories of the prestigious awards.

The South Australian of the Year Awards were presented by the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Mr Michael Harbison, at a black-tie ceremony at the Adelaide Town Hall last night.

Rob Norman is a Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide. He specialises in clinical management of infertility and reproductive endocrinology conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), lack of ovulation, hormonally caused menstrual period problems and menopause. Professor Norman is one of the world's experts on the management of infertility using innovative IVF techniques.

Earlier this year, he was named the 2009 South Australian Science Excellence Awards Scientist of the Year, and in 2007 he was named one of 10 of the Best Minds in Australian Research.

The Robinson Institute, which consists of more than 200 researchers and many students, specialises in reproductive health and regenerative medicine.

The citation for Professor Norman's South Australian of the Year Health and Science Awards said he was recognised for his "outstanding contribution to reproductive health and regenerative medicine".

"Professor Norman promotes internationally competitive research in reproduction that is equal to any research currently being conducted around the world."

The University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha, said Professor Norman was a worthy recipient of both awards.

"Rob is a scientist and clinician of the highest order, and the work he and his colleagues are doing at the Robinson Institute is among the best of its kind anywhere in the world," Professor McWha said.

"The fact that Rob has won both the Science and Health categories in these awards is testament to the truly outstanding work he is doing, and to his leadership as Director of the Robinson Institute.

"The University has every right to be proud of his achievements."

University of Adelaide music graduate Timothy Sexton also won the South Australian of the Year Award in the Arts category.

Sexton, who graduated from the University of Adelaide in the 1980s with a Bachelor of Music, Honours in Composition and also a Graduate Diploma in Education, is one of South Australia's most prominent musicians. He has worked as a freelance composer, conductor, arranger, singer, writer and adjudicator over the past 30 years.

The winner of South Australian of the Year will be announced tonight.

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