ASMR’S DIAMOND JUBILEE 60 YEARS OF PUBLIC, POLITICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ADVOCACY Australian Society for asmr Medical newsletter AUGUST 2021 Research

Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

In this issue: President’s report President’s report | 2 2021 sees the 60th anniversary of the inaugural ASMR impacts from climate change, mean we need a The ASMR continues Board meeting on August 9 and I am extremely Government that is committed to making bold efforts to engage with ASMR — Forging the Future | 3 proud to be leading the Society into its Diamond to better support Universities, Medical Research politicians and other for Health and Medical Jubilee year. The ASMR has provided steadfast Institutes and the researchers within them, in order organisations in the Research in Australasia advocacy for the health and medical research sector to generate service efficiencies, technological sector to advocate over its 60 years and will continue to do so into the innovations and health outcomes that will protect the for increased and ASMR Past Presidents | 4 — Perspectives on ASMR future. One of the greatest aspects of the ASMR nation. Unfortunately, the Federal budget had little adequate support Dr Ryan Davis and Medical Research is its people, from the members and affiliates, to to offer the sector over and above what was already of research and the many Directors, past-Presidents, life members allocated, but with a Federal election expected in researchers, with fair and adequate research 60th Anniversary of ASMR | 6 and staff. We were therefore thrilled to hear that the next year, there is a critical need to advocate opportunity to support our mission of empowering — my personal thoughts our long-serving Executive Officer, Ms Cath West for a commitment from both sides of politics to research for a healthy and equitable Australia. and experiences as OAM, was recognised for her contributions and increase and sustain support of our sector. an ASMR member dedication to the sector with a Medal of the Order With the MRFF now fully capitalised and disbursing Activities Not just a job — of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. | 7 at its intended maximum, the investment into ASMR Medical Research Week® in 2021 was Cath West, OAM discovery research through the NHMRC that has cautious in its execution with the very real threat Advocacy been stagnant for over a decade is in dire need of lockdowns and border closures at any given ASMR Medical Research | 9 ® With the recent release of the 2021 Intergenerational of a considerable investment increase to drive time. Scientific symposia were held online and Week 2021 Report it was indicated that over the next 40 years the progression of Australian health and medical the ASMR Medalist tour was restricted to live ‘Hearing versus Listening’ the population at large will continue to increase in research, support expansion of workforce and sector audiences at the National Press Club and Sydney | 10 ASMR Medalist 2021: age, the economy will grow at a slower rate, and capacity and feed the aspirations and potential of Gala dinner with livestreaming to Western Australia, Professor Kelvin Kong health and aged care will be the fastest growing the MRFF. That said, we await the imminent release Queensland, Newcastle and South Australian Gala areas of Government spending. This combined of the Australian National Audit Office’s report on events. Nevertheless, the 2021 ASMR Medalist, 60th ASMR National | 11 with worsening health issues overshadowed Health’s Management of the MRFF, as the ASMR Professor Kelvin Kong, delivered measured Scientific Conference or unaddressed during the current pandemic, has long advocated for established and transparent and engaging presentations that were greatly Inspiration to Implementation foreboding of more pandemics and the inevitable processes and governance to be legislated. received. He was awarded the medal because his

Ph: 02 9230 0333 Suite 702, Level 7, President: Dr Ryan Davis ASMR’S Fax: 02 9230 0339 37 Bligh Street, Senior Executive and Chief Financial Officer: Catherine West Email: [email protected] DIAMOND JUBILEE Sydney NSW 2000 Newsletter Editors: Dr Melissa Cantley 60 YEARS OF PUBLIC, POLITICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ADVOCACY Web: www.asmr.org.au Print Post Approved 25500300067 Australian Society for Medical asmr Research ASMR NEWSLETTER · AUGUST 2021

Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

work encompasses so many facets of the research intentions will be held virtually in late November. professional development sessions and a discussion pipeline, he has lived experience and a drive The theme of this year’s conference is Inspiration panel on positioning research for impact, quality Benefits of being an ASMR member to provide health equity for ear disease across to Implementation, examining the entire and consumer engagement. Please save the date, Australia, has a strong sense of social justice and research pipeline from discovery to translation, submit your abstracts and join us in November as ■ Stay in Touch with the advocacy and embodies many of the personal and commercialisation, prevention and implementation. it promises to be an engaging conference that will Latest Sector Developments professional qualities that are important for driving This year’s Firkin orator will be New Zealand bring together researchers from across the sector ■ Fast Track your Career change to ensure better health outcomes for all neonatologist Dame Professor Jane Harding who at a time when we all need to stick together. with CPD events Australians. Unfortunately, Victoria were in the pioneered the clinical management of neonatal Finally, I am pleased to announce that ■ Networking Opportunities midst of a lockdown and were unable to join the low blood glucose and the Edwards orator will Associate Professor Tony Kenna is the President‑elect ■ Advocacy for Health proceedings, but there are plans to hold the event be organic chemist Professor David Craik who and will take over in late November. I commend and Medical Research in the coming months. I would like to congratulate discovered cyclotides and has developed these into Tony for taking on this very important role and look all the State and regional committees who organised ■ Support for Students and an extremely successful drug and toxin development forward to working with him to ensure a seamless and executed events across the country and thank Early Career Researchers program. There will also be a raft of excellent transition into his Presidency. them for their contributions to the society. https://asmr.org.au/ plenary speakers, talks selected from abstracts, the membership/becoming- Peter Doherty Leading Light award, Campion Ma We now look forward to our 60th ASMR National Dr Ryan Davis, President, a-member/benefits/ Scientific Conference, which despite our best Playoust award, oral and poster awards, along with Australian Society for Medical Research

ASMR — Forging the Future for Health and Medical Research in Australasia Diamond Jubilee Year ■ Judith Whitworth was the first female President Celebrating ASMR’s long and proud history The Annual Scientific Meeting has been held of ASMR in 1984. of public, political and scientific advocacy every year since 1961. beginning with that first meeting of founding ■ The ASMR Research Fund was established ■ ASMR forged a central, unified lobbying directors back on August 9, 1961 at Barry Firkin’s by ASMR in 1990 with the sole purpose of approach for medical research funding. home in Double Bay. The first ASMR Committee providing research awards to ASMR members, ■ The Royal Australasian College of Physicians consisted of Barry Firkin (our first financial member) in particular early career members. housed the ASMR office from 1976 to 2012 Barry Firkin, President, Gordon Archer President-elect, and Alan ■ Founding director …RENT FREE. Election year 1993 saw the three major parties Skyring Secretary/Treasurer; Arnold Hunt, James and the first ASMR President — 1961 agreeing to lift funding to at least 2% of the McRae and Rodney Shearman were co-directors. ■ Our annual flagship event, ASMR Medical ® total health budget by the year 2000. These visionary young scientists stamped the Research Week , started in 1981. ■ society with the highest ideals and aspirations. ■ The ASMR Ladies Committee was established 1997 — President Kieran Scott The first annual scientific meeting (National in the early years in NSW. The committee invited inaugural ASMR Medalist, Scientific Conference) was held in 1961 with ceased its activities in 1971. Victoria also had a Professor Peter Doherty, to tour the country 66 members attending. Ladies Committee in 1968. during ASMR Medical Research Week®.

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Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

■ 1999 — ASMR commissioned a workplace ■ 2008 — ASMR Workforce Survey: a comprehensive report extrapolating the survey to identify areas of concern for “Perceptions of Health and Medical health and economic returns that could be Many things have Australian biomedical researchers. Research Careers: The ASMR generated by the MRFF. changed since 1961 Workforce Survey”. ■ 1998 — President Steve Wesselingh proposed ■ 2015 — Inquiry into the MRFF Bill submitted when the society was a ‘FASEB’ style meeting bringing together ■ 2009 — “Planning the Health and to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation ‘‘ first formed, but there many organisations to highlight health and Medical Research Workforce 2010–2019”, Committee. has been one constant — medical research in Australia. Case Studies Series I, II and III. ■ 2016 — ARC Engagement-Impact Submission. the ASMR has been and ■ 2000 — ASMR played a pivotal role in the ■ 2010–2019 — Online Mentor Program. ■ 2016 — NHMRC Structural Review Submission. Wills Review and led the successful campaign always will be the leading ■ 2010 — “Framework for the future — ■ 2017 — Major restructure of the to double NHMRC Funding. voice of the health An Asia Pacific Health and Medical Research long‑standing grants program of the and medical research ■ 2002 — President Peter Schofield Funding Union”. NHMRC and the first disbursements sector, representing coined the phrase, “Public, Political and ■ 2012 — ASMR led Health and Medical from the long-awaited MRFF. Scientific Advocacy”. its members and the Research Sector Submission to the McKeon ■ 2017 — Launched the new ASMR sector without fear or ■ 2003–2008 — ASMR commissioned Access Strategic Review of Health and Medical Peter Doherty Leading Light Award, Economics Reports I and II “Exceptional Research in Australia. which recognises an outstanding research favour, and battling for Returns: The Value of Investing in Health R&D ■ 2012 — Celebrated Australian health and contribution by a mid-career member Australia’s health and in Australia”. medical research at the 6th Australian Health (5 to 12 years post-doc) in the last 5 years. medical researchers. ■ 2005 — President Bronwyn Kingwell convened and Medical Research Congress (AHMRC) The inaugural award was presented at the the first Australian Health and Medical which was held in Adelaide. 2017 ASMR National Scientific Conference Dr Roger Yazbek, Research Congress. ■ 2014 — Submission to the House of by Professor Doherty. ASMR President ■ 2006 — Our groundbreaking Deloitte Access Representatives: Standing Committee on ■ 2020 — Submission to the senate inquiry for – 2014, 2018 and 2019 Economics Report “Exceptional Returns” Indigenous Affairs, Inquiry into the harmful the Higher Education Support Amendment and intense lobbying led to doubling use of alcohol in Aboriginal and Torres (Job-ready Graduates and Supporting of the NHMRC Budget. Strait Islander communities. Regional and Remote Students) Bill. ■ 2007 — President Maria Kavallaris conducted ■ 2014 — The ASMR commissioned ■ 2021 — Submission on the Mitochondrial the Sustainable Funding Forum. Deloitte Access Economics to undertake Donation Law Reform (Maeve’s Law) Bill.

ASMR Past Presidents — Perspectives on ASMR and Medical Research

Professor Judith Whitworth, ASMR President 1984

1984 was a notable, if not Orwellian, year in peerless Ruth. But the past is another country and era refused to sign off on the NHMRC grants because Australia. Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, Medicare things were different. Women were very involved in most of the money was going to Melbourne. It was was introduced, as was the dollar coin, Advance research but underrepresented in senior positions. I explained that he could accept or reject the advice Australia Fair, and the Green and Gold, banks were think I was the first female president. Victoria was the but not change it and eventually he did sign and deregulated and AIDS was taking off. As ever, the research powerhouse and other states, with a few was subsequently a good friend to medical research. Professor Judith Whitworth society was run smoothly and efficiently by the exceptions, languished. One health minister of that Medical people tended to outnumber the scientists.

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Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

As the old saying goes, the medicos know the prevailing mantra was let a thousand flowers grow. the thrust was funding for NHMRC rather than special questions but not the answers, while the scientists ASMR was a real community and the powerhouse pleading for specific institutions. So, much has know the answers but not the questions. The research for lobbying, and we visited every sitting federal changed, and much (but not all) of it is for the good. emphasis was very medical, and often basic, with less member to put the case. Senior people (Coghlan, clinical, little public health and no policy research. The Chalmers, McCloskey, Funder) were very helpful and

Dr Emma Parkinson-Lawrence, ASMR President 2011, 2019.

I was elected to the ASMR Board of Directors in the most respected society in health and medical for ASMR to take part in defining the Terms of 2007, which culminated in the honour of being research. Strategically, we were able to bring Reference for the McKeon strategic review by nominated as the 2011 ASMR President in the together a diverse group of stakeholders including the Honourable Mark Butler MP, then Minister Society’s 50th year. During my Presidency, health Research Australia, Australian Health and Hospitals for Mental Health and Ageing for meetings also and medical research was truly in the national Association, Business Council of Australia and the showed the commitment of ASMR to gathering spotlight with the rumoured federal government Australian Consumers Health Forum, supporting strategic, evidence-based data to support the funding cuts to the NHMRC budget. ASMR the maintenance of government investment into case for sustained investment in health and maintained its integrity by pursuing a measured NHMRC in the 2011 Federal Budget. It is my belief medical research. Moving into its 60th year this approach to government. Indeed, ASMR’s that this document broadened the narrative in commitment and strength continues to support bipartisan approach to lobbying for the health support of investment into the sector and was our amazing health and medical research workforce Dr Emma Parkinson-Lawrence and medical research sector underpins ASMR as a pivotal element in our success. An invitation – United We Must Stand!

Dr Roger Yazbek, ASMR President 2014, 2018, 2019

Over the course of its 60 year history, the ASMR to improve the health and lives of those in Australia who would say that ASMR has “lost its relevance” or has cemented itself as the peak professional body and around the world. I served three terms as that it should “focus on professional development for health and medical research. In the early 1970s, ASMR President, 2014 and 2018-19. Whether it was for EMCRs”, but the ASMRs track-record speaks the society broke new ground, reporting the first preparing submissions to government inquiries, for itself. hard data on the economic return of health and presenting the annual ASMR pre-budget submission, We are at a critical period in Australian health and medical research. Since that time, the ASMR has meeting with government ministers, gathering medical research. We are seeing, in real time, how commissioned seven independent reports from data on the workforce, touring the country with the Australian scientists are responding to (and defeating) Deloitte Access Economics that comprehensively ASMR Medallist, or liaising with senior stakeholders; a global pandemic. However, the NHMRC has seen quantify and model the societal impact of Australian each year presented its own unique challenges and no meaningful increase for over a decade, and overall Dr Roger Yazbek medical research. These reports have been crucial opportunities. But I can say without hesitation, they funding for medical research is low when compared in convincing politicians why health and medical were the amongst the most rewarding and proudest to other OECD countries. The ASMR will always stand research is such a valuable investment for the country. moments of my career. tall, and continue to advocate to our political leaders I first joined the ASMR board at the end of 2009. For The Society has always been, and must continue to to support and uphold the integrity, independence me, it was an opportunity to give something back be, courageous, visionary, tenacious and committed and transparency of Australian science. But the to the health and medical research sector. It was to integrity in its pursuit of empowering research ASMR is only as strong as its members. As one, we a chance to advocate for an inspiring, passionate, for health and well-being, towards a vision of a can create the environment for positive change for and resilient workforce, that works incredibly hard healthy and equitable Australia. There are some a healthy and equitable Australia.

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Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy 60th Anniversary of ASMR — my personal thoughts and experiences as an ASMR member

Professor Don McManus, Senior Scientist and extensive public, political and scientific advocacy involvement with ASMR and again commend the NHMRC Leadership Fellow, QIMR Berghofer on behalf of the Australian health and medical society and its members for all their efforts in the Medical Research Institute, Brisbane. research community. This advocacy has involved past 60 years that have helped to ensure Australia representation and evidence-based submissions to retains a strong, well-supported, world-class health We live in particularly challenging and difficult times the government on many issues critical to supporting and medical research sector that we can all be Professor Don McManus and many in the medical research community have and investing in medical research in this country. suitably proud of. been greatly disadvantaged by the global covid-19 As a career scientist, who has been fortunate to Bio: Don McManus heads the Molecular Parasitology pandemic, myself included with my group’s field receive continuous, long term support from the Laboratory and is a NHMRC Senior Leadership studies on neglected tropical diseases in Asia and NHMRC, I am extremely grateful to the ASMR for Professional Fellow/Senior Scientist at QIMR Berghofer. He Africa greatly affected. Nevertheless, in trying times, its continued promotional efforts on behalf of the Development webinar undertook his PhD at the University of Wales and it is important to reflect on the past and contemplate sector to increase research funding to the NHMRC. Title: Alternative career paths was research fellow/lecturer at Imperial College the future and, as the vaccine roll-out is increased, Indeed, ASMR’s advocacy for increased investment post-PhD – panel discussion before moving to QIMR in 1989. His research goal we can look forward to returning to something in medical research in Australia will now be even is the prevention and treatment of Neglected Where: Zoom approaching normality, although this may take some more critical given the slowing down or interruption Tropical Diseases caused by parasitic worms which Date: August 26th, time yet given the current waves in the spread of of many projects due to covid-19. constitute a significant global health problem, 4-5pm AEST the virus and the resulting setbacks affecting us all. I have been a scientist in Australia for over 30 with children forming the majority of those at Panel members include Nevertheless, there is always time to celebrate and, years and obtaining adequate support has never risk. His visionary approach continues to link basic representatives from Pharma, as a long-standing member of ASMR, I am delighted been easy due to the highly competitive nature of and applied research, and his commitment to Biotech, Public Sector and to offer my congratulations to the Society on its the funding process. However, it does seem that international field and laboratory studies with his not-for-profit sectors who will 60th Anniversary milestone; a great achievement discuss how they transitioned procuring research support has become even more multi-skilled team has translated into workable, indeed. I was asked to provide my thoughts in this from academia to diverse challenging, typified by the considerable drop over innovative and practical control strategies. His brief article for the Jubilee edition of the newsletter roles. The discussion will the past several years in the number of full-time ultimate goal is the global elimination of parasitic describing my experiences of being a member of highlight a variety of career health and medical research positions resulting worm diseases which are the cause of extensive the society, why I have remained a member, and options, how to make the in the uncertain job security and prospects for human suffering. He was recipient of the 2018 how I have seen the research landscape change move away from academia, many, particularly early and mid-career researchers. Sornchai Looareesuwan Medal “for outstanding over the years. what are the pros and cons Addressing this key issue will require urgent cross- achievements in tropical medicine research” and of different career paths and A major reason why I have supported ASMR over so party support and ASMR’s role in achieving a suitable the 2020 NHMRC Peter Doherty Investigator what transferrable skills can many years and have retained my membership for dialogue with the Government and Opposition Grant Award for the top ranked application in the you bring from academia. such a long time has been the society’s undying and will be crucial. I look forward to continuing my Leadership category. https://asmr.org.au/ cpd-and-events-2/cpd- events-workshops/

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Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy Not just a job — Cath West, OAM

ASMR is thrilled to announce that our long-serving more than 30 events around the country to help for Cath’s leadership, the advocacy for Australian Executive Officer, Cath West, has been awarded a promote health and medical research to the health and medical research would have been all Medal of the Order of Australia for Service to the Australian public. From financial management, the poorer for it. Medical Research Community. general governance, promotion and marketing of Cath embodies the mission of ASMR, to empower events, media co‑ordination and organising the Cath West is an unsung hero of Australian health research for a healthy and equitable Australia. It ASMR Medallist tour, Cath’s energy and enthusiasm and medical research. Since 1994, Cath has been the is her strong sense of social conscience that has has always been steadfast. Senior Executive Officer for the Australian Society for driven her 27 years with the ASMR. Cath West has Medical Research. During this time, she has supported In the time that I have known Cath West, she never sought any accolades or recognition for her 27 successive Boards of Directors, and 25 Presidents. has gone above and beyond the call of duty to service, and seeks only to ensure that Australia’s Cath has overseen the transformation of the ASMR support the ASMR and the broader health and health and medical researchers are provided the Cath West ASMR Executive Office Executive Office, introducing a level of professionalism medical research community. During my time as necessary tools to continue to deliver improved and business acumen that has been instrumental in President of ASMR, it never ceased to amaze me health outcomes for humanity. underpinning the success of ASMR’s advocacy work the meetings that Cath was able to secure for me for the health and medical research community. Cath with senior Government ministers, to senior heads Personally, I am proud to be able to call Cath my has mentored and guided young researchers who of department and other key stake-holders. colleague, mentor, confidante and friend. She has joined the ASMR board and who have gone on to been so giving of her time, always encouraging Under Cath West’s leadership, the ASMR has become some of Australia’s most prominent research me to go bigger and bolder. The countless hours commissioned seven seminal Deloitte Access leaders. One only needs to refer to the quotes below spent in person and over the phone, strategizing, Economics reports that shed new light on the health to realise Cath’s tremendous impact. brainstorming and planning the reform of Australian and economic returns of government investment in politics. Congratulations on receiving this honour Behind the scenes, Cath works tirelessly for the Australian health and medical research. This data Cath, you are truly deserving. society. A sometimes thankless job, during ASMR has been critical in supporting successive increases Medical Research Week® she coordinates seven to medical research funding around the country. Dr Roger Yazbek, state committees to ensure the co-ordination of It is not an exaggeration to say that if it had not been ASMR President – 2014, 2018 and 2019

Cath West, is like family to me, Cath has and remains a ‘staunch’ Cath West truly is the heart of the spent countless hours on the phone good family. A mentor, confidante supporter of ASMR and incoming ASMR. In an organisation where with her discussing and dreaming ‘‘ and a woman with superpowers. ‘‘ Presidents and has always kept ‘‘ Directors come and go with the about how Australia could achieve You gave me the courage to us on the ‘straight and narrow’. passage of time, Cath is the one its tremendous potential, both in stand up for what I believe and If Cath didn’t quite agree with constant, stabilising force. health and medical research and to back myself. Love you Cath. something she would always politely beyond. Congratulations Cath on I’ll always have the deepest respect say ‘yes’, followed by ‘how about’. receiving this truly befitting honour. Dr Sarah Meachem, for Cath’s sharp mind and insight ASMR President — 2009 and 2016 Dr Emma Parkinson-Lawrence, into the political sphere, having Dr Daniel Johnstone, ASMR President — 2011 ASMR President — 2017

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Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

Cath has made exceptional contributions Ms West has been a tireless servant Cath’s contribution to the ASMR and to health and medical research advocacy to Medical Research for near on three the influence the Society has had in ‘‘ in Australia. Her role is not just a job ‘‘ decades. Her advice and support ‘‘ the recognition of the field of medical for her. She has raised the profile has helped the development of research in the Australian community is of medical research in Australia and many medical research leaders over the embodiment of the Order of Australia mentored and trained more emerging that time. The concepts she instilled awards system. She has acquitted her paid medical researchers in advocacy than of corporate responsibility, ethical role with exemplary fashion, but it is what I can count, both on the national board behaviour and fairness were always she has contributed above and beyond in and state committees. The OAM is a guiding principles that helped shape the the development of so many young people well‑deserved honour for Cath and I am actions of dozens of research leaders. who have gone on to their own outstanding thrilled to see her recognised in this way. achievements that is most significant. She never seeks credit for the Professor Maria Kavallaris, extraordinary amount of work she has done Many past ASMR Presidents and ASMR President — 2007 personally, well above the expectations of Directors still count Cath as a mentor her official role, and for these reasons she is and friend. They continue to seek a most worthy person for this recognition. her counsel and guidance long after Cath is the heart of ASMR, providing She was never just doing her job! their term on the Board has ended. Dr Emma Parkinson‑Lawrence strategic advice for every beat. Her and Cath West ‘‘ commitment to supporting all health Her knowledge of the medical research The undoubted success of ASMR is due and medical researchers across Australia sector is second to none and many of to the stewardship of Catherine West. is inspirational – her knowledge and the commissioned reviews and reports Those of us who have had the privilege political acumen has led to major health used by the sector and governments of working alongside Cath are not only policy change to improve our capacity were her initiative despite her propensity better leaders, but better people. to deliver as scientists and clinicians. You to suggest it was someone else’s Dr Maree Overall, are a superstar Cath, you have worked idea. This humility and quiet grace ASMR Life Member tirelessly to protect the health and medical has embedded her in the hearts and research sector in Australia – THANK YOU. minds of many, many of us who have worked with her in ASMR. I cannot It goes without saying that Cath West has Associate Professor Phoebe Phillips, speak more highly of her and consider been the heartbeat of ASMR for over 30 ASMR President — 2015 her akin to a national treasure. ‘‘ years. She has been an extraordinary sage and guiding hand for generations of eager Professor Rob Ramsay, but often ‘green’ HMR researchers cutting ASMR President — 2000 their advocacy teeth on the ASMR National Board, and has been the driving force for ASMR in shaping the HMR sector. We all owe Cath a massive debt of gratitude.

Professor Mark Hulett, ASMR President — 2008

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Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy ASMR Medical Research Week® 2021

ASMR Medical Research Week® was held from ASMR Medical Research Week® Events for 2021 June 4 to 11 this year. It is the flagship activity Annual ASMR VIC Student Research Annual ASMR Qld Postgraduate Student for The Australian Society for Medical Research, Symposium, held on June 4th as an online and a major highlight of the Australian health and Symposium, held as a virtual meeting on June meeting, and Gala Dinner, held on June 7th. medical research calendar, bringing the message 9th and 10th, and Gala Dinner, held on June 7th. Newcastle ASMR Medallist Networking of the benefits of health and medical research to SA Scientific Meeting ® the Australian public. Event, held on June 7th. ASMR Medical Research Week NSW Annual Scientific Meeting, held on With COVID‑19 restrictions around the Nation, ASMR WA Student Symposium, held on 9th June as an online virtual meeting, each state hosted MRW events that would enable 10th June as an online meeting, and and Gala Dinner, held on June 4th. researchers within each state to come together Gala Dinner, held on June 7th. either in a virtual format or face to face to share Annual ASMR SA Scientific Meeting, ® their research, ideas, to network with others and held on 9th June as a face-to-face meeting, Tasmania ASMR Medical Research Week progress their career development. and Gala Dinner, held on June 7th. Virtual Symposium, held on June 11th. WA Student Symposium

Qld Postgraduate Student Symposium

SA Gala dinner WA Gala dinner Qld Gala dinner

Newcastle Networking Event NSW Gala dinner ASMR President Dr Ryan Davis at the NSW Gala Dinner

9 Australian Society for Medical asmr Research ASMR NEWSLETTER · AUGUST 2021

Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy ‘Hearing versus Listening’

ASMR Medalist 2021: Organisation standards. Despite the availability of Professor Kelvin Kong relatively simple but effective treatments for this condition, there still exists a dichotomy of access We were pleased to return to some semblance of to healthcare that can boil down to the postcode a medalist tour for 2021, albeit approached with one lives in. caution due to the very real possibility of snap lockdowns and border closures. Across three days The hearing loss associated with ear disease causes during ASMR Medical Research Week® there were developmental and social issues that have been live presentations to the Sydney gala event and at shown to lead to poor education, incarceration the National Press Club, as well as livestreams to and life outcomes. This is where Professor Kong is gala events in Western Australia, Queensland, South making headway in closing the gap to change the Australia and Newcastle. outcomes for children with ear disease. “We’re trying to achieve equity in our country. So that every child ASMR Medallist Professor Kelvin Kong This year’s medal was awarded to Professor Kelvin born in this country, no matter who you are, no matter presenting at the NSW Gala Dinner that was Kong, an ENT surgeon, researcher, advocate and broadcast around Australia to other Gala Events. where you are, has equal access to healthcare, has trailblazer for health equality. Professor Kong shared equal access to education and has equal access to We congratulate Kelvin, his family, his community and ASMR Research Awards his passion for ear health and the very addressable a dream, a simple dream of becoming whatever his colleagues on this award, as was his insistence The ASMR Research Awards issue of childhood ear disease in Australia. The they want to be”. that they all have a share in the work he does and are offered annually to stark reality is that the ‘lucky country’ has some of are all deserving of the recognition. support postgraduate and the worst ear disease statistics in the world, in fact Professor Kong said that the indigenous community early career researchers they are considered fourth-world by World Health had always been participants in research, but their (<3 years post-PhD) in perception of research had grown to be negative. undertaking a short period He highlighted the need to change that perception of research at a distal through research co-design (or as he likes to call it institution within Australia. “common sense”) with the community in every area In light of the current of research from molecular to translational. “Involving COVID‑19 pandemic and the patients and community in research helps to restrictions on international ground translational research so the messaging gets travel, the ASMR is offering through to both [researchers and the community]. only a National Research We have a moral obligation to create an effective Award ($2000) in 2021. and evidence-based environment”. Applications close Professor Kong believes the right research question 16th October 2021. should always be “what are we trying to achieve?”. Applicants must be “The reason we do research, the reason we do current ASMR members this kind of work, is to make a better Australia For more information, see: for everyone. It’s about making a difference to https://asmr.org.au/​ someone’s life and I go back to and contest, this is ASMR Medallist Professor Kelvin Kong ASMR President Dr Ryan Davis introducing ASMR research-awards/ presenting at the National Press Club of Australia. why we do research.” Medallist Professor Kelvin Kong at the NSW Gala Dinner.

10 Australian Society for asmr Medical Research ASMR NEWSLETTER 60 TH· ASAUGUSTMR NA 2021TIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy AWT EDWARDS ORATOR INSPIR 60TH AS 6M0RTH NA ASTIMONR NAALTI SCIEONAANTIFIL TIOSCIEC NTIFICONFERENCC CONNFERENCE AWTEProfesAWT EDWARDSsor DEDWARDSavid Craik ORATOR ORATOR PhD, FAA, FRS, UQ Laureate Fellow ProfesProfessor Davisord D Craikavid Craik to IMPLEMENINSPIRINSPIRATATIOATIONTION NDid you know that cyclic peptides can be grown PhD,in theFAA,PhD, backyard FRS, FAA, UQ and FRS, Laureate may UQ be Laureate the Fellow future Fellow of designer EXAMINING THE RESEARCH PIPELINE FROM DISCOVERY drugs? to IMPLEMENtoTO IMPLEMENTRANSLATION AND INNOVATIONTATATIONTIONDid you knowDid you that know cyclic that peptides cyclic peptides can be grown can be grown in the backyardin the backyard and may and be themay future be the of future designer of designer In the early 90’s, Professor Craik discovered a unique family of cyclic peptides EXAMININGEXAMINING THE RESEARCH THE RESEARCH PIPELINE PIPELINE FROM DISCOVERY FROM DISCOVERY drugs? drugs? TO TRANSLATIONTO TRANSLATION AND INNOVATION AND INNOVATION that could be the next line of super drugs. Join us for the ASMR’s Diamond Jubilee virtual In the earlyIn the 90’s, early Professor 90’s, Professor Craik discovered Craik discovered a unique a family unique of family cyclic ofpeptides cyclic peptides National Scientific Conference on 22-23 November that“We could thatcan be could usethe thesenext be theline ultra-stable nextof super line ofdrugs. cyclotides super drugs. to make targeted, potent drugs and Join usJoin for the us forASMR’s the ASMR’s Diamond Diamond Jubilee Jubilee virtual virtual agrichemicals”. A greatNational opportunityNational Scientific Scientific to Conference present Conference at on a 22-23National on November 22-23 conference, November “We can “Weuse thesecan use ultra-stable these ultra-stable cyclotides cyclotides to make totargeted, make targeted, potent drugs potent and drugs and agrichemicals”.Resistant agrichemicals”. to degradation in the digestive tract and able to be grown hear the latest in multidisciplinary research and economically as medicinal plants, cyclotide drugs may be an answer to making A greatA opportunity great opportunity to present to present at a National at a National conference, conference, network with peers from across Australia ResistantdrugResistant therapiesto degradation to more degradation in accessible the digestive in the worldwide. digestive tract and tract able and to be able grown to be grown hear thehear latest the in latest multidisciplinary in multidisciplinary research research and and economicallyeconomically as medicinal as medicinal plants, cyclotide plants, cyclotide drugs may drugs be anmay answer be an to answer making to making networknetwork with peers with from peers across from acrossAustralia Australia drug therapiesdrug therapies more accessible more accessible worldwide. worldwide. Conference highlights include: FIRKIN ORATOR ConferenceConference highlights highlights include: include: Firkin and Edwards Orations and inspiring plenary speakers FIRKINFIRKIN ORATOR ORATOR Firkin andFirkin Edwards and Edwards Orations Orations and inspiring and inspiring plenary plenaryspeakers speakers Professor Dame Jane Harding Peter Doherty Leading Light award presentation ProfesDNZMProfessor Dame MBChBsor Dame Ja DPhilne HJ ardFRACPanein Hgard FRSNZing Peter DohertyPeter Doherty Leading Leading Light award Light presentation award presentation Oral and poster presentations selected from abstracts DNZM MBChBDNZM MBChB DPhil FRACP DPhil FRACP FRSNZ FRSNZ Oral andOral poster and presentations poster presentations selected selected from abstracts from abstracts Professor Harding is a Neonatologist whose seminal Professional development sessions Professor discoveries Pr Hardingofessor revolutionised isHarding a Neonatologist is a clinicalNeonatologist whose care ofseminal whose premature seminal babies. ProfessionalProfessional development development sessions sessions discoveries disc revolutionisedoveries revolutionised clinical care clinical of premature care of premature babies. babies. Panel discussion on how to position your research for impact, She led the world-first clinical trial that showed dextrose gel is an effective qualityPanel discussionandPanel consumer discussion on how engagement onto positionhow to position your research your research for impact, for impact,She treatmentled theShe world-first led for the low world-first clinicalblood glucosetrial clinical that trialoftenshowed that encountered dextroseshowed dextrose gel in is premature an geleffective is an babies. effective quality andquality consumer and consumer engagement engagement treatmenttreatment for low blood for low glucose blood oftenglucose encountered often encountered in premature in premature babies. babies. Virtual networking This circumvented the need to separate mother and baby for treatment and has Virtual networkingVirtual networking Thisbeen circumventedThis shown circumvented to the have need long-term the to separateneed tobenefits separate mother for and mother brain baby development,and for babytreatment for treatment growth and has and and has Awards for oral and poster presentations and the prestigious beeneducational shownbeen to shown have achievement. long-termto have long-term benefits benefitsfor brain fordevelopment, brain development, growth and growth and educationaleducational achievement. achievement. CampionAwards Awards forMa oral Playoust forand oral poster award and presentations poster for the presentations best and presentation the andprestigious the overall prestigious CampionCampion Ma Playoust Ma Playoust award for award the bestfor the presentation best presentation overall overall Her on-going research concerns the role of nutrition and growth factors in the Her on-goingHer on-going research researchconcerns concerns the role ofthe nutrition role of nutritionand growth and factors growth in factors the in the regulation of growth before and after birth, blood glucose regulation in the Registrations and abstract submissions are now open at regulationregulation of growth of before growth and before after and birth, after blood birth, glucose blood regulationglucose regulation in the in the RegistrationsRegistrations and abstract and abstract submissions submissions are now are open now at open at newborn, and longterm consequences of treatments given around birth. newborn,newborn, and longterm and longterm consequences consequences of treatments of treatments given around given birth. around birth. asmr.org.au/asmr-nscasmr.org.au/asmr-nsc

Australian Society for asmr Medical Research 2222 - -23 2322 NO NO- V23EMBERV NOEMBERVEMBER 202 2021 |2021 AS | 1 MR.ORAS | MR.ORASMR.ORG.AGU/.AASGU/.AMU/ASR-NASMSCR-NMR-NSCSC Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

11 Australian Society for Medical asmr Research ASMR NEWSLETTER · AUGUST 2021

Public, Political, Scientific Advocacy

Affiliate Members ASMR Directors 2021 ANZAC Research Institute Australian Medical Students’ Association Mater Research Australasian College of Dermatologists Australian Physiological Society Menzies Health Institute Queensland Executive Directors Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Australian Rheumatology Association National Association of Research Fellows Dr Ryan Davis — President Australasian College of Paramedicine Australian Society for Biochemistry Nutrition Society of Australia Dr Daniel Johnstone Australasian Epidemiological Association and Molecular Biology Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia — Honorary Treasurer/ Honorary Australasian Faculty of Occupational Australian Society for Parasitology Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Secretary and Policy and Environmental Medicine Australian Vascular Biology Society Queensland Eye Institute Foundation Professor Christoph Hagemeyer — Sponsorship Australasian Gene and Cell Therapy Society Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Royal Australasian College of Physicians Australasian Sleep Association Bionics Institute Associate Professor Tony Kenna Royal Australasian College of Surgeons — Professional Development Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre Royal Australian and New Zealand College Dr Lila Landowski Australasian Society of Clinical & Experimental Burnet Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists — Media (Lead) Pharmacologists & Toxicologists Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Royal Australian and New Zealand Australasian Virology Society Children’s Cancer Institute Australia College of Psychiatrists Directors Australia and New Zealand Children’s Medical Research Institute Royal Australian and New Zealand Dr Erin McGillick Association of Neurologists Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research College of Radiologists — Media Australian and New Zealand Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dr Emily Colvin Ear Science Institute Australia — ASMR MRW® 2021 (Lead) Bone & Mineral Society Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Endocrine Society of Australia Dr Dona Jayakody Australia and New Zealand ® Fertility Society of Australia Society for Redox Research Australasia (formerly — ASMR MRW 2021 College of Anaesthetists Society Free Radical Research Australasia) and NSC 2021 Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Society of Mental Health Research Dr Denuja Karunakaran Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand — ASMR NSC 2021 (Lead) Australian and New Zealand Society for Reproductive Biology High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia Dr Melissa Cantley Orthopaedic Research Society Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Hudson Institute of Medical Research — Newsletter Australian and New Zealand Transplantation Society of Australia Dr Kristen Barratt Human Genetics Society of Australasia Society for Immunology and New Zealand — Membership Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology University of Queensland Diamantina Institute Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Executive Office Australian Atherosclerosis Society Westmead Institute for Medical Research Australian College of Nursing Kolling Institute of Medical Research Catherine West Lions Eye Institute Limited — Senior Executive and Australian Diabetes Society Chief Financial Officer Katriona Christiansen Associate Members — Administrative Assistant Arthritis Australia Foundation for High Blood Pressure Research MS Research Australia ASMR State Branch Convenors Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation Haemophilia Foundation of Australia Scleroderma Association of NSW Mr Alireza Zarebidoki Australian Red Cross Life Blood Heart Foundation of Australia William Angliss Charitable Fund — Australian Capital Territory Convenor Australian Respiratory Council Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Dr Nunki Hassan Clifford Craig Foundation Lupus Australia — New South Wales Convenor Dr Kelly Avery-Kiejda — Newcastle Sub‑Committee Supporting Members Convenor Research Australia Dr Samantha Levin and Ms Dana Pourzinal — Queensland Co-Convenors Ms Khalia Primer — South Australian Convenor Dr Jenna Ziebell — Tasmanian Convenor To keep up with all the Dr Chantal Attard latest information and — Victorian Convenor updates on ASMR events, Dr Kimberley Wang awards and activities — West Australian Convenor join us on social media.

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