New appointment for Dr Peter Kitchener

Neuroscience senior lecturer announced as the School’s next Director of the Master of Biomedical Science.

Dr Peter Kitchener, of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, will lead the University of Melbourne’s highly sought-after Master of Biomedical Science.

Dr Kitchener is a neuroscience discipline coordinator and highly published expert in spinal reflex and spinal cord neurons  who is currently working with Dr Colin Hales on implementing the physics of biological membranes in solid state devices.

He will be responsible for leadership and oversight of the School of Biomedical Sciences Masters program and join the School Research Training Committee, and commenced his role in September.

Dr Kitchener says he looks forward to providing academic vision and leadership in the delivery of the Masters Degree, including student experience, and promoting a collaborative culture that values excellence. Moving forward the Masters is planned to change with a refocus on how the degree can best equip our graduates to be prepared to pursue a wide range of post-degree options. Within this is a plan to review and revise the current coursework offering, introducing new subjects that will incorporate todays emerging trends in research discovery and research technology, whilst also developing students core transferable skills amidst their exploration of the broader impacts of innovations in biomedical science.

“Our Masters students enjoy discovering data-driven solutions to address complex biomedical research problems. They learn from internationally renowned researchers and meet industry leaders – setting them on the path to academic research or progressing to a range of rewarding science-based careers.

“I am thrilled to take up this appointment and look forward to ensuring the program continues to offer our students a comprehensive understanding of the research process, as well as specialist knowledge and professional skills attractive to employers.”

Former Director, Associate Professor Christine Wright, of the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, has made a tremendous contribution to the role, setting the foundations for current and future students.

Following on from A/Prof Wright’s work, Dr Kitchener says he will continue to focus on developing strong and productive relationships with academic units, Medical Research Institutes and industries where students are enrolled in the Discovery, Enterprise and Vision Science programs, and with senior staff in the broader academic administration of the University.

“The objectives of this course are to provide students with skills in: conducting research in biomedical and health science, designing experiments, managing a research projects, preparing and giving an oral and written presentation of the results, expressing intellectual, scientific arguments; and assimilating and critically evaluating existing knowledge within a scientific paradigm and being ready for a range of post-study career opportunities.

“This is such an exciting program and in terms of ultimately advancing human health, there is really no better time to undertake further studies in this area.”

Learn more about the Master of Biomedical Science