Singapore: In a bid to ahead a major initiative towards the advancement of fertility research and treatment, the University of Sydney has announced a big take over. It said in an official statement that it had taken over 100 percent ownership of shares of Westmead IVF, that operates the private fertility clinic at Westmead Hospital, of Westmead fertility.

The announcement explained that Westmead IVF was given to the university as a form of donation from a foundation established by an alumnus of the institution, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Brian Trudinger.

It added that along with this, the University was also received a $10.4 million cash donation for the establishment of a chair in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and the endowment of a research program in maternal foetal medicine.

The University said that the takeover would help in conducting world-class research in fertility involving the two phases of reproduction, falling pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to a successful outcome.

"By combining research into the beginnings of life, fertility, conception, the foetus, pregnancy and birth with a clinical facility for reproductive technology services, this gift will enable us to deepen and broaden that research and to return Australia to a position of world leadership in the field of assisted reproductive technologies," Dr Michael Spence, the University's Vice-Chancellor said.

"What makes this gift particularly appropriate is that the University and Westmead IVF share a commitment to serving the community and to quality and equity of access. It also gives us an opportunity to work even more closely with the Western Sydney Local Health District to advance the health of the community by aligning research and clinical treatment, a model which has been clearly shown to lead to innovation and better healthcare for patients," Dr Spence added.

"This gift brings together the link between clinical service, research and teaching for which Sydney Medical School and the University are renowned," Professor Bruce Robinson, Dean of Sydney Medical School said.