headlines SHINING A LIGHT ON SCHIZOPHRENIA
July 2011
Minds In Transition- Growing up is not always easy Institute scientist, Professor Ulrich Schall from the University of Newcastle is leading the five-year Minds in Transition (MinT) study, a project that investigates why young
Prof. Ulli Schall people transition from an ‘at-risk mental state’ to a first episode of psychosis. During the years of adolescence “An at-risk mental state is not a clinical strategies for preventive measures and early adulthood, young people are diagnosis, it refers to a combination and early intervention,” he said. particularly vulnerable to experiencing of factors such as family history of some of the early warning signs of mental illness and a negative change in Volunteers will undergo a variety schizophrenia and other mental illnesses well-being and everyday functioning,” of assessments, including MRI scans of - and it may be that during this time the Professor Schall said. the brain, providing a blood sample and onset of psychoses first occurs. EEG recordings, as well as a number of “While most study participants will not other clinical and psychological tests. MinT will investigate the early signs of the necessarily develop schizophrenia, it is later emerging illness, such as experiencing anticipated that up to 30% will develop The project is being conducted in difficulties at school for the first time, some type of psychotic illness with Newcastle, Orange and Sydney, and is withdrawing from social or fun activities, about 10-15% going on to develop recruiting young people aged 12 to 25 lacking energy or motivation, and having schizophrenia.” strange thoughts and ideas. These early years from clinical centres and through signs will be examined as to how they “A primary aim of the study is to compare the recently launched website – develop over time, and what factors may those who do develop a psychotic www.mint.org.au. promote or prevent a transition from illness with the majority who do not. ‘at-risk mental state’ to schizophrenia. This information is crucial for developing
PRINCIPAL SUPPORTER
‘Spark of Genius’ is the signature gala Wines, Schweizer Kobras, schizophrenia. She is one of a handful black tie event for the Schizophrenia Northside Group and Etihad. of developmental neurobiologists in the Research Institute. The event has been world who specialise in schizophrenia highly successful in the past because of The Cause research. Her team of researchers have the unique formula of having one mystery In 2011 we are dedicating the Spark had many successes, most notably the Genius guest at each table. The Genii are of Genius event to the Schizophrenia commencement of the first clinical drug leaders in their fields ranging from the Arts, Research Laboratory*, headed by trial for the Schizophrenia Research Institute. Using an existing hormone Media, Sports, Politics, Entertainment, Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert, modulator, the trial aims to improve Corporate and Academia. the Macquarie Group Foundation cognitive and memory function for Chair of Schizophrenia Research. The event will be held at Sydney Town people with schizophrenia, opening Hall on Friday 9th September 2011 and Prof. Shannon Weickert (of ABC a possibility of further education and will bring together 500 corporate and Australian Story fame) is driven by extended employment. philanthropic guests for a night of fun, her own experience of growing up entertainment and fundraising. Book your table online now at: with a twin brother who developed www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au Our principal supporter is Macquarie *The Schizophrenia Research Laboratory is a joint initiative of the Schizophrenia Research Group Foundation and our major Institute, University of NSW, Neuroscience Research Australia, and the Macquarie Group sponsors include City of Sydney, Mulyan Foundation. It is supported by NSW Health.
1 Schizophrenia Research Institute | HeadLines CEO’s Report
As a research institute we have an We also continue to grow our obligation not only to those affected international networks, with the by the illness we are investigating Australian Schizophrenia Research but also to nurture the professional Bank now open to international development of our colleagues within researchers. This is the final phase the scientific community. of the rollout providing access to the Bank, making it an internationally By making better scientists, unique enabling facility that provides encouraging robust research the foundation for researchers to make programs and fostering collaboration, significant contributions to future Prof. Vaughan Carr, Chief Executive Officer we are developing a committed and discoveries about schizophrenia. able research community to better at the Schizophrenia Research approach our goal. The Institute’s gala dinner, Spark of Genius, is drawing near and we thank Laboratory. The Institute recently held a number all of our supporters and each of the Cyndi’s expertise in schizophrenia of seminars bringing together our guest genii who are helping us to make research is well recognised, as is scientists and those within our networks this a successful night. This event will evidenced by her recent appointed to showcase and discuss their current raise money for the Macquarie Group to the Scientific Advisory Board of work, and seek collaboration around Foundation Chair of Schizophrenia the international online Schizophrenia where we, as a scientific community, Research, Professor Cyndi Shannon Research Forum. I congratulate her on are headed next. Weickert, and her continuing work this opportunity. Meet our Researcher I study the inhibitory neurons (which Q. Why schizophrenia research? are key to how these circuits develop), A. I have always been particularly to give us clues as to why this system interested in the development of the might not be working properly in brain: how cells get to where they schizophrenia. need to be and how they interact with other cells. In the brains of Q. What has been the greatest challenge people with schizophrenia we think of this work? the development of the brain has A. Schizophrenia is a challenging somehow been derailed, and this may illness to study as it presents with lead to circuits being improperly wired. different symptoms that can vary We are in an exciting era where we are between individuals. Identifying seeing many more molecular clues as different pathologies has the potential to how the cellular communication may be broken in the illness. advantage of being able to customise more effective treatments for patients. Dr Samantha Fung is a Q. What do you find most fulfilling Research Officer at the about the work? Q. Where does your work fit Schizophrenia Research in the larger schizophrenia A. I like the challenge of using the Laboratory research picture? little clues that we know about schizophrenia to ask new questions, A. In the long term, I hope that this Q. What research are you currently and trying to find a way to answer research will be able to be translated involved with? them. It’s exciting to know that you into more effective therapies for are making discoveries and about how A. Although there is uncertainty about individuals with schizophrenia by different systems fit with each other, what may be the main pathology in identifying which cell types are most and we are helping to build a picture of schizophrenia, research suggests that affected in schizophrenia and how we what might be going wrong in the brain the inhibitory circuitry in the brain is not may enhance the function of affected of someone with schizophrenia, which functioning properly. In my research at cells, or even encourage new cells into is key to finding new and effective ways the Schizophrenia Research Laboratory these circuits. to help these people.
Research volunteers are still needed to take part in the Schizophrenia Research Research Volunteers Needed Laboratory’s hormone modulator drug trial in Sydney. For a criteria factsheet email [email protected]
2 Schizophrenia Research Institute | HeadLines Putting Our Heads Together The Institute holds regular research summits that bring together our scientists from each of our principal research areas – Developmental Neurobiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, lopm Deve ental obio and Epidemiology and Population Health. neur logy As a virtual medical research institute, obtain feedback and guidance by our very nature we have the unique from senior colleagues in their ability to draw from a wide pool of research area. research knowledge, leveraging all As well as contributing of the remarkable work that is being to ongoing investigation done across Australia in the field of E into schizophrenia and its p schizophrenia research. o i d treatments, these meetings p e e u e m c v The summits provide an important also encourage scientists l i a i t n t o i e to take a step back and i l n i opportunity for these researchers from o o c n g g s consider how the individual y o various centres to meet in person, h C ro e a u discuss recent advances in research, and studies conducted at various a nd e lth n plan for upcoming collaborative ventures. universities and institutes from This allows us to continue to grow our a wide range of scientific domains research agenda, and helps to nurture fit together in the ‘bigger picture’ early career researchers, as they can of schizophrenia research.
Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes The Institute is now a member of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI), the peak body that represents medical research institutes. AAMRI recognises that institutes such as the Schizophrenia Research Institute are a key component of Australia’s health and education systems. As a member institute, we are able to take part in greater scientific and administrative collaboration, which will help us continue to grow our research agenda and funding.
Introducing New Institute Board Members The Institute welcomes two new Board Members, Norbert Schweizer and Chad Barton.
Norbert has had a long involvement with officer for Salmat, Chad previously the Institute as a committee member held the position of Chief Financial Norbert Schweizer and corporate supporter. A solicitor Officer with Electronic Data Systems and the founding partner at Schweizer Corporation (EDS), a HP company, Kobras, Norbert has expertise in in Australia and New Zealand as well business law and a wide variety of as CFO for EDS's Global Financial legal work. He is passionate about the Services practice. Prior to this, Chad future of schizophrenia research and its was Commercial Director with Singtel potential impact on the life of his own Optus Limited and CFO for SunSystems family, as his son has schizophrenia. Australia and New Zealand. Chad has Chad brings to the Institute a wealth commercial and strategic expertise of financial knowledge. Currently the that will greatly benefit the Institute Chad Barton chartered accountant and chief financial as it continues to grow and expand.
3 SwearStop Running for Schizophrenia Research A mother, a researcher and a celebrity Ambassador make up the Schizophrenia Research Institute City2Surf team to fundraise for the Institute by running the 14 kilometre race on 14 August.
Each is showing their support for very different reasons. Maxi, Kerrbox, Corey – Bondi Rescue Eva Urban is running for her daughter and her mother, who have both suffered schizophrenia. Mathieu Verdurand is an Institute
Alvin Quah and researcher who is also a frequent Courtney Roulston – MasterChef fi nalists fundraiser for our work. Ashleigh Francis, Miss World Australia 2010 has also joined the City2Surf GIVE IT UP FOR team, continuing her support as an Mathieu Verdurand, Institute scientist MENTAL HEALTH Institute Ambassador. 16 - 22 MAY 2011 part in the City2Surf then you can
Jono www.swearstop.com.au Coleman You can show you support by donating join the team too. to the team and leave a message of www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/ The Institute thanks everyone who encouragement, or if you are also taking SchizophreniaResearchInstitute_c2s took part in SwearStop and helped us raise $40,000! As well as raising money to support schizophrenia research, SwearStoppers also helped Institute Ambassador Speaks Out raise awareness about the illness and our work. Matt Dee, a lifeguard on the hit Channel TEN show Bondi Rescue, Thank you to our SwearStop has spoken about the pain and anguish Ambassadors, Matt Dee and the Bondi of losing his sister, Rachel, to Rescue team; Alvin Quah and Courtney schizophrenia nearly two years ago. Roulston, MasterChef finalists; music legend, Angry Anderson; Ray Warren, He told his family’s story to sports commentator; Channel 7’s Glenn The Sun-Herald and the 6.30pm Wheeler; Jono Coleman from the Jono with George Negus program during and Dano Show; Miss World Australia Schizophrenia Awareness Week in 2010, Ashleigh Francis; Nate Myles May, speaking in support of the from the Sydney Roosters; Liam Reddy Institute’s SwearStop campaign. from Sydney FC; Mark Geyer from Maxi, Corey and Kerrbox from Bondi Triple M; and Nigel Brennan, author Rescue were SwearStop Ambassadors, and photojournalist. announcing that they were taking part for their teammate, Matt. The Institute thanks Matt, his family Karate and the entire Bondi Rescue team Tournament Institute Ambassador, Matt Dee, Bondi Rescue for all of their support. The Australia Vs the World- Full Contact Karate Tournament will be held Sunday 7 August, with all proceeds Jack Gibson Cup being donated to the Institute. The Jack Gibson Cup, an annual game between the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels in memory of Jack Gibson will The world’s best karate champions be held at the end of August, with the Institute the charity from Japan, Romania, Russia and partner for the event. Lithuania will take part, and the tournament will be broadcast of Jack Gibson was a founding member of the Institute, and Foxtel’s Fuel channel in September. a rugby league coach who guided both the Roosters and Eels to premierships. Full details under Events at: www.thejuniors.com.au Jack Gibson www.jackgibsoncup.com.au
4 Schizophrenia Research Institute | HeadLines Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank Open to International Researchers The Institute’s Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank is the biggest research resource of its type ever undertaken in Australia.
The data provided by all of our Bank as well as a healthy control group. volunteers is now able to be used by Participants are also able to volunteer to researchers across Australia for research be contacted for future research projects. and analysis. This resource has already supported a variety of studies into The volunteers who participate in schizophrenia. From 1 July this year, this project are key contributors to a international researchers and commercial research resource which may provide entities are able to apply to use the data researchers with a unique breakthrough. and recruit volunteers. Although more volunteers are needed, and The Bank provides access to the recruitment is ongoing, the Bank is now de-identified medical and cognitive reaching its goal to provide researchers performance, genetic samples, and brain with access to a large, high quality dataset scans of people with schizophrenia, to support schizophrenia research.
Support the Institute by hosting a Cook for a Cure event in August. Register online by searching for ‘schizophrenia’ under ‘Search Cook For A Cure’ www.cookforacure.com.au/find
Appointment to International Forum
The Institute’s Professor Cyndi Shannon collaboration and share research Weickert, Macquarie Group Foundation news to help in the search for Chair of Schizophrenia Research, has causes, treatments, and understanding been announced as the first Australian of schizophrenia. Professor Shannon woman to be appointed to the Scientific Weickert is one of only a handful Advisory Board of the international online of international experts appointed Schizophrenia Research Forum. as an advisor for this international The forum is a key online resource for online community. the schizophrenia research community, Prof. Cyndi Shannon Weickert designed to foster international www.schizophreniaforum.org
5 Our thanks Major Partners and Supporters
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Many thanks to all of our supporters who have renewed their commitment to us and donated recently (March 2011 - July 2011). For privacy reasons we have chosen not to list all our individual supporters but would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge their generosity. The commitment of the community is vital to our ongoing success.
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BlackRock ARAFMI Cowra Branch We offer our condolences and send thanks to the following Dencona Pty Ltd Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Assn families who have asked mourners to donate to the Institute in Deutsche Bank Action On Mental Health lieu of flowers and in memory of their loved ones. Families and Macquarie Group Leichhardt Council friends who may wish to set up a tribute page for a lost loved Onsite Construction Group one and raise funds for the Institute can do so at Pro Bono ShareGift Australia www.everydayhero.com.au/event/inmemoriam Sydney FC Grants and Foundations Michael Giddens Videography Chance Mullins Glen Kelly ASX Thomson Reuters Charity The Narrative Elizabeth Mealey James Dempsey Foundation Bruce Usher Photography The Hunt Family Foundation
The Schizophrenia Research Institute is the only national medical research institute solely dedicated to discovering the ways to prevent and cure schizophrenia. A registered charity throughout Australia, we rely on donations to continue our work. Please help by completing
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