In a region that boasts some of the most popular beaches in Australia, it’s fitting that USC is turning its attention to the relationship between sun, skin and health.

This month the University welcomed its Foundation Professor of Cancer Prevention Michael Kimlin as a joint appointment between USC and Cancer Council Queensland.

The former Director of Queensland University of Technology’s Centre for Research in Sun and Health will continue his world-leading research into the environmental factors that lead to cancer, particularly skin cancers including melanoma.

“I think population health research in Queensland is very Brisbane-centric,” he said. “There is very little work that occurs on the Sunshine Coast on risk factors, on control measures and early detection that’s specifically relevant to this community.

“The Cancer Council and I are keen to start this relationship with the Sunshine Coast community and engage them in our research projects and work on issues that are relevant to locals to reduce the burden of cancer here.

“I’m excited to be joining USC because it’s a young, dynamic, aspirational university,” said Professor Kimlin.

“Look at the relationship underway with the Sunshine Coast University Hospital where USC plans to be embedded in education and embedded in improving the health of the community, both from the biological and applied clinical perspective.

“USC is quick moving and not afraid to develop new approaches. That’s me too, so it’s a perfect match.”

Professor Kimlin has moved his research programs to USC where plans are well underway to establish a UV research laboratory and a specialist research team.

USC’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Roland De Marco said it was a coup for USC to attract a world-leading scientist of Professor Kimlin’s calibre.

“Within a relatively short career, Professor Kimlin’s scientific achievements have been exceptional,” said Professor De Marco. “The future is very bright for Michael and we feel privileged to have him as a colleague at USC.”

— Jane Cameron