Another big win for St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation
SSMRF has received a significant boost with the NSW Government committing $1.5 million towards the completion of the Microbiome Research Centre (MRC). In addition, Gerry Marr, Chief Executive SESLHD has also committed $1million to the MRC.
The MRC, based at St George Hospital, will lead international research collaborations into how microbiota play a unique role in both sickness and health, and how it can be harnessed to treat, prevent and cure complex diseases.
The Microbiome Research Centre is a collaboration between the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF), the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD).
Professor Emad El-Omar, Professor of Medicine, UNSW, St George Hospital and the Director of the MRC, said the facility will improve research capacity by attracting more expert researchers not only from around the country but also from around the world. “There will be unrivalled opportunities for the next generation of researchers in medicine and allied health specialities on offer at the Centre.
Their job is to diagnose what has previously been impossible to detect, and then to treat the conditions,” Professor El-Omar said.
While the refurbished Centre will officially open for business in February next year, microbiome research is already underway in the existing laboratories, with several teams investigating some of the Australian Government’s health care priorities.
In his letter to the Foundation Minister, Hazzard wrote “The Centre will be a world leader in microbiome research and will showcase NSW research excellence. Its location will facilitate the translation of research into the NSW health system to improve the health outcomes for the people of NSW.”
Jacquie Stratford, CEO, St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation said the MRC is the most significant breakthrough for medical research in the St George and Sutherland catchment area and will be the nucleus for sustained growth in the field.
“Microbiome research truly is the new frontier of medicine and this investment from the NSW Government, along with the $1 million pledged by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and last year’s Commonwealth grant will progress our work immeasurably,” Ms Stratford said “Our challenge now is to raise significant funds to support the research”.
