Media Release

K3904 26 April 1999

The Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs Dr David Kemp today officially launched the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP) at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI).

"This is an excellent opportunity for second and third year science undergraduates at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland to participate in exciting research in the field of biotechnology," said Dr Kemp.

Students will conduct their own research under the guidance of eminent scientists for 8 hours a week for a minimum of 3 months.

"By gaining paid part-time employment in an internationally competitive laboratory, students will have the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills, as well as participate in a dynamic and important field of research," said Dr Kemp.

The UROP scheme has been piloted for a year with excellent results and currently there over 170 staff and researchers involved in the programmes with 7 UROP positions to be offered.

The government is very supportive of research training. This UROP is a joint initiative between the Cooperative Research Centre for Cellular Growth Factors (CRC-CGF) and the Cooperative Research Centre for the Discovery of Genes for Common Human Diseases (CRC-CHD) and will promote collaboration with other researchers in a range of scientific fields. This is vital for the transfer and development of ideas and information, and in uniting and sharing research.

"Programmes such as UROP and the CRC’s are instrumental in maintaining collaborative links across industrial, institutional and research organisations. Australia is a world leader in medical research and programmes such as UROP will ensure Australia’s competitive edge for years to come," said Dr Kemp.

UROP students benefit greatly from these programmes through:

• participation in the excitement of being a researcher in an internationally competitive laboratory
• experience being part of a research team
• development of expertise in laboratory techniques and experimental design
• potential to contribute to scientific publications
• creation of future job opportunities through networking
• paid part-time employment
• participation in the molecular genetics revolution

Media contact: Samantha Herron 02 6277 7460 or 0412 639 754

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