Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute Annual Report 2006 Annual Report Contents 2 Highlights 31 Our Profi le Prizes and Awards 4 Chairman’s Report Publications ‘Leadership for the Future’ Paul Brassil Professional Service to the Community and Related Organisations 7 Executive Director’s Report ‘Framework for the Future’ Professor Peter Schofi eld 40 Finance Funding and Financial Summary 10 Board of Directors 42 Research Funding 12 Research Projects Grants awarded for Research Funding Neurodegeneration and Ageing Mental Illness 46 Fundraising Movement, Balance and Falls Fundraising and Public Relations Brain Function and Imaging Acknowledgments Neural Injury 52 Our People Institute Staff and Students OUTLOOK The outlook for 2007 and beyond is truly remarkable. The opportunities to translate our work into clinical therapies, creating a natural synergy amongst our researchers, are impressive. Through scientifi c tenacity we will continue to conduct world-class, collaborative medical research to cure human disease, improve quality of life, and create a legacy for the future. 1 Highlights 2000 – 2006 2000 2001 2002 2003 The Spinal Injuries Research Dr Kay Double and her Completion of the Launching of the fi rst 3 Tesla Centre was established. research team developed a blood neurodegenerative disease data Magnetic Resonance Imaging test for the early diagnosis of collection for Wave 5 of “The (MRI) scanner in NSW through Parkinson’s disease. Sydney Older Persons Study”, a joint venture with Mayne now one of the longest running Health to create the Mayne longitudinal ageing studies (now Symbion) Clinical in Australia. Research Imaging Centre. Opening of the Impact Injuries Research Laboratory. 2 2004 2005 2006 Institute researchers, under The Institute was selected by the On successfully winning a A new laboratory for 16 Professor Glenda Halliday, University of New South Wales competitive process to host the scientists focusing on genetics discovered a new form of for the location of the inaugural NISAD Chair of Schizophrenia and mental health research dementia often confused with NewSouth Global Professor of Research resulting in an $8 was established. This work Alzheimer’s disease – Dementia Brain Sciences. Professor Caroline million investment by NISAD, has already led to important with Lewy Bodies. (Lindy) Rae was appointed to the University of New South advances in our understanding the position. Wales and POWMRI over of the genetic contributions to the next 5 years, a major depression and bipolar disorder. Assoc Professor Stephen international research team Lord’s Falls Clinic developed is being established to study a “Falls Screening Kit” which the developmental biology is used by aged care specialists of schizophrenia. Professor worldwide in identifying Cyndi Shannon-Weickert was people at risk of falls. recruited from the National Institutes of Health in the US to head the team. In Alzheimer’s disease research, a new Research Fellow, Dr Brett The Rat Brain in Stereotaxic Garner, and his team of Coordinates 6th Ed was the researchers, were appointed. latest in the series of the world’s leading brain atlases published by the Institute’s scientists Professors George Paxinos and Professor Simon Gandevia, Charles Watson. This atlas is the Institute’s Deputy the most cited neuroscience Director, and his team The use of our Impact Injuries publication and the most cited advanced the development of Laboratory to undertake Australian publication of all a new technique to allow a crash test simulations of child times. It is ranked amongst the quadriplegic patient to deliver injury in car crashes has led 50 most cited publications in an effective cough, treating to educational, Standards and the history of science. a key complication of spinal legislative changes to prevent cord injury. childhood injury. A prestigious international award was conferred on Professor Simon Gandevia by the International Research Promotion Council for his work 3 on the long term effects of polio. Chairman’s Report Paul Brassil LEADERSHIPFOR THE FUTURE As Chairman of the Board, I am proud to be associated with the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, a recognised leader in Australia’s research into fundamental and clinical neuroscience. The Institute’s outstanding research initiatives are founded on excellence in leadership and will accelerate discovery and redefi ne neuroscience to reduce the global burden of disease. My fellow Board Members and I are committed to support the component of the Institute’s success is the support of individuals, Institute in its mission to undertake and facilitate scientifi c and corporations, trusts and foundations that assist our scientifi c medical research which is, or may prove to be, of value to Australia research. Friends and supporters also play a crucial role by and for the common good of humankind; and to relieve pain and volunteering their time and resources, and by attending Institute suffering in humans through our scientifi c and medical research to meetings and functions throughout the year. prevent, treat or cure diseases and improve the quality of life. Space limitations The Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute The Board I would like to acknowledge the signifi cant commitment faces critical space limitations. Our staff numbers have increased made by POWMRI Directors this past year and thank them for from 43 when the Institute was established in 1993 to 154 in 2006. their wise counsel. We have now reached full capacity and urgently require a purpose- built facility to provide the specialist research laboratories and Mr Peter Kemp was appointed to the Board in October. Peter, who facilities necessary for our scientists and clinicians. This will ensure has been involved in commercial legal practice for over 30 years, is we can properly support our mission to understand, diagnose and Principal of Peter Kemp Solicitors, a specialist law fi rm in Sydney. treat brain and nervous system disease. Dr Andrew Refshauge joined the Board’s Audit Committee in June Vision for the future The Institute seeks to establish a world-class and his fi nancial expertise is greatly appreciated. Neuroscience Research Precinct as a major research hub located on our site of the Randwick Hospitals’ Campus. The establishment of We were sorry to lose the services of two Directors. Mr Philip Salter this Precinct is consistent with the recommendations of the National resigned as an independent Director in February. Professor Mark Neuroscience Consultative Taskforce commissioned by the Federal Wainwright resigned in October when he retired as Vice-Chancellor Minister for Health & Ageing, The Hon Tony Abbott, and the and President of UNSW. The advocacy and encouragement of these Medical Research Strategy of the NSW Government. Importantly, Directors during their terms of service are greatly appreciated. the development of the Neuroscience Research Precinct has been designated as one of six medical research hubs in the NSW One of the Board’s major tasks this year has been to undertake the Government’s Medical Research Strategy. work necessary to establish a Foundation for the Institute, “The Brains Trust”. While the offi cial launch of The Brains Trust will occur in 2007, The Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute’s partners in the the Board has been especially grateful to Henry Davis York solicitors Neuroscience Research Precinct are South Eastern Sydney & for their pro bono support in establishing this important new venture. Illawarra Area Health Service and the Randwick Campus Hospitals, The Brains Trust will hold and manage the Institute’s endowments the University of New South Wales (including Brain Sciences UNSW) and bequests from members of the Phyllis Luker Society, as well as and the Black Dog Institute. philanthropic and wider community donations. This will signifi cantly enhance the ability of the Institute to conduct its ongoing research. The Neuroscience Research Precinct will require major capital investment from various sources, including both the Federal and A successful year Under the eminent leadership of Professor Peter State Governments. We have the land for this development and our Schofi eld, Executive Director and CEO, and Professor Simon Gandevia, Architects and Planners have completed the design. We now require Deputy Director, the Institute continues to fl ourish and provide a fi rst- the funds to make this vision a reality. rate environment for the Institute’s team of dedicated scientists to achieve optimal results from their research programs in the neurosciences. Our research has, and will, continue to make substantial contributions to the health and wellbeing of the Australian community. On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank all those who have Paul Brassil contributed to the Institute’s achievements in 2006. A vital Chairman 4 5 6 Executive Director’s Report Professor Peter R Schofi eld FRAMEWORKFOR THE FUTURE New research programs and staff POWMRI has made substantial POWMRI. Tom is a cognitive psychologist, who has joined the advances in neuroscience research for the past 13 years, with POWMRI Faculty as a Research Fellow. Using brain imaging practical application of many of our research projects in diagnosis technology he will conduct clinical research into schizophrenia. of neurological disorders, preventing falls, protecting against injury and changes in rehabilitation management techniques. Dr John Kwok moved to the Institute to continue his work in the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal