Annual Report 1998

Report from the Menzies Centre for Population Health Research

The end of 1998 marked the conclusion of another highly successful year of growth and development for the Menzies Centre. In addition to the normal load of scientific activity, administrative output and development, this was the year for the Centre's quinquennial review and for the 10th Anniversary celebrations.

The review was conducted under the auspices of the Menzies Foundation and the University of Tasmania. It was preceded by a very thorough strategic planning exercise, which focussed thinking on the Centre's needs and potential accomplishments over the next five years. This was a valuable exercise and will provide a sound base for the allocation of resources and choices about new areas to explore.

The Review Panel recommended the appointment of two Senior Lecturers for an initial term of five years and the appointment of a biostatistician for an initial term of three years. Subject to these appointments, the report also recommended a target of enrolling at least five postgraduate students by 2000.

In general the Review Panel was impressed by the quality of the Centre's staff, both academic and administrative. In its report, the Panel said staff showed a high level of commitment to the Centre and had been able to support a substantial level of activity under sometimes difficult conditions.

In November the Centre commemorated its first ten years with events which included a scientific meeting, a number of social activities, an open day and reflection on some of the individuals who had contributed to the Centre's successful establishment.

The keynote speaker at the scientific forum was Sir Richard Doll from Oxford, who has been extremely helpful over the years, and many other distinguished colleagues from around Australia.

The social activities were highlighted by a reception at Government House and a formal dinner hosted by the Vice Chancellor and attended by the Governor of Tasmania, Sir Guy Green, and 200 supporters of the Centre. A sad but fitting moment during the week was the unveiling of the John Tomlinson "Tree of Life" created by renowned Tasmanian sculptor Stephen Walker in commemoration of the man who chaired the organisation in the period 1991-96.

The celebrations concluded with the Centre's first Open Day. During the event over 500 people visited the Centre to learn more about its research programs and to participate in health tests. Open Day also provided an opportunity to thank the people of Tasmania for their contribution, participation and donations to the ongoing work of the Menzies Centre.

Prof Terry Dwyer and Jan Tomlinson Professor Terry Dwyer and Jan Tomlinson with the John Tomlinson Memorial Donor's Tree of Life
Despite all this organisational activity, the Centre's research program remained the focus of attention, resulting in another successful year. Scientific output of the Centre has been maintained at a very high level this year. Seven grant applications were submitted to the National Health and Medical Research Council with three being granted. This is almost double the average success rate of applicants around the country. The successful grant applications will allow the funding of research into heart disease prevention, the prevention of albuminuria in diabetics, and the possible relationship between osteoporosis and fractures in young people.

During the latter half of the year the Centre was awarded research grants by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Royal Children's Hospital Medical Research Foundation, and a grant and fellowship from the Arthritis Foundation of Australia.