Meet our new Federation Fellow

Research

The University of Adelaide has been awarded another highly prestigious ARC Federation Fellowship aimed at attracting and retaining world-class researchers.

The University's newest ARC Federation Fellow is a world-renowned expert in animal biotechnology, Professor Dr Heiner Niemann.

Professor Dr Niemann is currently Head of the Department for Biotechnology at the Institut für Tierzucht (FAL) (Institute for Animal Husbandry) in Mariensee, near Hannover, Germany.

With a background in Veterinary Medicine, Professor Niemann has specialised in reproductive biotechnology, and over the past decade he has further specialised in molecular and gene technologies.

His research combines reproduction, embryology, and molecular and cellular biology, and is aimed at benefiting agricultural industry (such as addressing the high embryonic losses in livestock breeding programs), medical science (such as using animals as models for research into ageing) and the community.

At Adelaide, Professor Niemann will be a joint appointment in the School of Agriculture, Food & Wine and the School of Molecular & Biomedical Science, where he will use his skills to establish multidisciplinary research into animal biotechnology.

"The techniques and knowledge that Professor Niemann has developed during his research career are unique and world-leading, and he will be an outstanding addition to the University of Adelaide's - and Australia's - research efforts," said the University of Adelaide's Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), Professor Alan Johnson AM.

"Professor Niemann is an almost perfect fit at the University of Adelaide, which already conducts extensive and internationally recognised research into large animals, particularly cows, sheep and pigs.

"His appointment will be an excellent complement to the University's bid to establish a School of Veterinary Science at its Roseworthy Campus.

"With a research focus on 'Embryo Genomics for Engineering Change', Professor Niemann's research will be of national benefit to Australian agriculture and medical science," he said.

Professor Niemann is expected to begin his appointment at the University of Adelaide in early 2008.

Story by David Ellis