Person

Aitken, Robert John (John) (1947 - )

FAA

Born
4 September 1947
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Occupation
Reproductive biologist and University Administrator

Summary

John Aitken is internationally renowned for his research in the field of reproductive biology. His research focuses in particular on male reproductive biology and the development of more effective methods of contraception. Aitken joined the University of Newcastle in 1999 as Head of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, after a distinguished career in Edinburgh. He was Foundation Director of the University's Centre for Life Sciences and headed the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development.

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"John Aitken's research has elucidated fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian sperm function, fertilisation and early embryonic development. Demonstrating that oxidative stress, due to electron leakage, plays a major role in defective sperm function, his work linked this pathway to DNA damage and provided the basis for anti-oxidant therapy. Using proteomic approaches, he has identified a number of novel mediators of sperm-egg interactions. These studies unravelled new mechanisms which prevent sperm degeneration by blocking apoptotic pathways. Based on this information, his work provides opportunities to improve fertility and also pathways for new contraceptive development." [from https://www.science.org.au/profile/robert-aitken 31/10/2023]

Chronology

1969
Education - Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of London
1970
Education - Master of Science (MSc), University of Wales
1973
Education - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Cambridge
1973 - 1975
Career position - MRC Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Edinburgh
1975 - 1976
Career position - Consultant Scientist, Human Reproduction Programme, WHO
1976 - 1977
Career position - Charge de Recherche Laboratoire d'Endocrinologie Experimentale, Faculté de Medicine, Université de Bordeaux, France
1977 - 1982
Career position - Research Scientist, MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, University of Edinburgh
1982 - 1987
Career position - Senior Scientist, MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, University of Edinburgh
1987 - 1998
Career position - Special Appointment Professorial Level, MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, University of Edinburgh
1992 -
Career position - Honorary Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Edinburgh
1996 - 1999
Career position - Acting Deputy Director, MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, University of Edinburgh
1998
Education - ScD, University of Cambridge
1998 - 2005
Career position - Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle
1998 - 2015
Career position - Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle
1999 - 2001
Career position - Head, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Newcastle
1999 - 2013
Career position - Head, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle
2000
Career position - Foundation Director, Centre for Life Sciences, University of Newcastle
2003 - 2010
Career position - Director, ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development
2005 -
Career position - Managing Director, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle
2005 -
Career position - Laureate Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle
2011 -
Award - Fellow, Australian Academy of Science (FAA)
2012 -
Award - Fellow, Australian Society for Reproductive Biology
2012
Award - Scientist of the Year, New South Wales Science and Engineering Awards
2013 -
Career position - President, International Society of Andrology Australia
2014 -
Award - Life Member, Australian Society for Reproductive Biology
2015 -
Award - Fellow, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
2016
Award - Carl G. Hartman Award, Society for the Study of Reproduction
2021
Award - Clarke Medal, and delivered the Clarke Memorial Lecture, Royal Society of New South Wales

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See also

  • Robson, Alexandra K.; Production Manager and Editor eds, Who's who in Australia 2019 (Southbank, Vic.: AAP Directories, 2018), 1788 pp. Details

Helen Cohn

Created: 31 October 2023, Last modified: 2 November 2023

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