World-renowned scientist to head multidisciplinary centre tackling ’lifestyle diseases’

A world-renowned scientist whose research spans why locusts swarm to the dietary causes of ageing and human obesity has been appointed Academic Director of the University of Sydney's new multidisciplinary centre specialising in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Professor Stephen Simpson is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences and a scientific adviser to Obesity Australia. The news of his appointment coincides with the naming of the new centre - to be known as the Charles Perkins Centre - in recognition of a visionary and outstanding graduate of the University. University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence said the centre would make a major contribution to health globally by researching solutions to the alarming levels of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Australia and worldwide. "Charles Perkins was the first Indigenous male graduate in Australia. We have named the centre in his honour as he so clearly embodied the values that underpin this vital and innovative research project," Spence said. "Charles Perkins changed the lives of a disadvantaged group of Australians - the centre seeks to change the lives of people around the world.