10 of the Best Medical Research Projects
9 February 2011
The successes of the Australian Government’s $700 million annual
investment in health and medical research has been showcased in a new
publication launched today by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
Mark Butler.
The ‘10 of the Best Research Projects 2010’ booklet profiles
the work done by some of the country’s leading researchers to improve
health for all Australians. The research reflects the National Health
and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) strong track record in supporting
Australian universities working in medical health sciences.
The 10 of the Best covers diverse areas of research from
post-traumatic stress disorder to cancer, and the research outcomes
highlighted in the booklet have been internationally recognised - and in
some cases are leading the development of international practice. The
booklet has been written for the general public to demonstrate the
benefits of research resulting from public investment.
Mr Butler said that there is a growing recognition that health and
medical research is a building block to better health, and allows for an
earlier diagnosis and better treatment of serious conditions that can
be the difference between a healthy, happy life and one filled with
disability and limitations.
“A good example of the benefits of health and medical research
benefiting Australians is the research into people affected by
post-traumatic mental health conditions conducted by Professor Richard
Bryant from the Brain Dynamics Centre at the University of New South
Wales.
“Professor Bryant and his team monitored more than 1000 people
post-trauma and found that around 25% had a new mental health condition a
year later.
“His research will pave the way to identify the risk factors and
implement early intervention strategies to avert long term problems with
the goal of improving treatment for all Australians that experience
trauma.
“This is particularly relevant given the immense stresses that people
afflicted by the recent floods, cyclone and bushfires have experienced,”
he said.
"Research like Professor Bryant’s and others highlighted in the 10 of the Best publication, lead to changes in treatment and practice - and then to better health outcomes for all Australians.
“I congratulate the researchers highlighted in the 10 of the Best
and encourage them, as well as the next generation of researchers, to
continue their important work and keep Australia on the cutting edge of
health and medical research. The work they do is changing our system and
changing lives”.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 02 6277 7280.