Lupus research at Monash to benefit from $750,000 grant

Professor Eric Morand

Improved outcomes for patients with lupus are expected as a result of research funding worth nearly $.75 million, secured by researchers in the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS).

Pharmaceutical companies UCB Biopharma SPRL and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), who are among the leading companies worldwide developing therapies for lupus, are to fund research led by Professor Eric Morand, Head of SCS and Head of Rheumatology at Monash Health, to develop and validate treatment targets in lupus.

“Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus) is a serious multisystem autoimmune disease,” said Professor Morand. “Patients with lupus, usually young women, suffer a loss of life expectancy and in some cases severe illness, caused by the immune system damaging multiple organs.”

You're invited to Afternoon Tea for Peter Ebeling - Australia Day Honours - Tuesday 3 February, 4pm, LT3 Foyer Area

David Healy portrait unveiled and research fellowships announced

Distinguished Monash clinician and researcher Professor David L Healy was remembered and honoured last week at the unveiling of his portrait at the Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre.

Commissioned by Professor Euan Wallace, Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University, the portrait is a tribute to Professor Healy who passed away in May 2012.

“Professor Healy was a passionate champion for women’s reproductive rights in Australia and overseas,” said Professor Wallace.  “His leadership, vision and persuasiveness is missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”

Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 1994 to 2012, Professor Healy completed his BMedSci (Hons) and MBBS (Hons) at Monash University before undertaking his PhD on human prolactin physiology with Professor Henry Burger at Prince Henry’s Hospital.  

Contributions to the field of bone health recognised on Australia Day

Head of Department of Medicine in the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Professor Peter Ebeling was recognised in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List for his outstanding contribution to medicine.

Professor Ebeling was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine in the field of bone health, through academic contributions and research initiatives in a range of administrative, executive and professional roles.

"The AO is definitely a huge honour and I was pretty astonished to receive it as it was a total surprise," said Professor Ebeling.  

"I have won a number of awards in the past, but being made an AO surpasses them all as it is such a privilege for me to be considered among the current and past recipients of this honour."

Dr Karinna Fyfe wins 2014 David Healy Prize

Congratulations Dr Karinna Fyfe, 2014 David Healy Prize for Medical Student PhD Research recipient.  

Karinna investigated cerebral oxygenation and cardiovascular control during sleep in preterm infants in order to determine why preterm infants are at increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Feedback on NFFC and duration of project grants

We are currently asking for researchers to give feedback on the following elements of the Project Grants assessment process and funding rules:

• The Not For Further Consideration (NFFC) and Applicant Response steps; and 
• The duration of Project Grants funding.

We have had 60 or so responses so far and we want to get good representation from the research community on this consultation.    We would really appreciate you reminding your colleagues to provide individual input at http://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/public_consultations/project-grants-scheme.  Submissions due by 24 Feb.

2015 Better Teaching, Better Learning Showcase

Celebrating excellent education at Monash on Monday 16 February at Caulfield campus.
See here for details.

2015 Lorne Infection and Immunity Conference - Still time to register!

Back from holidays but haven't registered for Lorne I&I yet?   Don't panic, there is still time! Click here to register NOW!

The 2015 Lorne Infection and Immunity Conference organising committee invites you to register for the 5th annual conference.  Join infection and immunity scientists from around Australia and overseas for three days of networking and science.  We look forward to your participation at the Lorne Infection and Immunity Conference. 

Registrations are now open for Science Pathways 2015

The EMCR Forum’s national meeting, Science Pathways 2015 - Effective science communication for EMCRs, will be held in Adelaide at ‘The Braggs’ Lecture Theatre, The University of Adelaide on 23-24 April 2015.

WELCOME and THANKS TO OUR NEW SCS-MHTP STUDY AREA COORDINATORS!

Thanks to the following individuals, we now have 15 Study Area Groups, listed below.  

All Monash Uni PhD students enrolled in SCS who are yet to complete their Mid-Candidature Milestone review have been allocated to a SAG.  Newly enrolled students will also be placed in these groups.  Students post-Mid-Candidature will be managed by their Departmental HDR Coordinator, as previously.  Students enrolled externally will be managed locally and we will assist as appropriate.

Welcome morning tea for our PhD candidates

A welcome morning tea and information session for our new PhD students took place last week. There are currently more than 130 PhD students enrolled at the Monash Health Translation Precinct (MHTP). 
(Please contact Rachael Unwin or Kate Loveland if you need support or have questions.)

Russian move to block transgender drivers

Professor Nicholas Keks, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, contributes to a discussion about proposed legislation in Russia to block transgender drivers.

SBS, World News Australia  Listen to podcast here.

Do you love riding a bike?

Join the Monash Health bike user group (Monash BUG)!

• improve bike parking
• shower and locker facilities
• raise the profile of cycling
• share information about routes, rides and events
• cycle to work events

Please contact us if you'd like to join.  

Alteration to DAFF/AQIS Importation Permit

On the 29th January 2015 The World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the USA.  The USA has no been removed from the low risk category list until further notice for laboratory products derived from avian materials produced within 21 days prior to the outbreak.

The variation will limit avian products from the USA that can be imported under the permit to those produced before 29 December 2014. The variation takes effect immediately. 

This variation to the permit means that from yesterday, we will no longer be permitted to import any avian derived products produced on or after 29 December 2014 from the USA. We will be able to continue to import product from these countries with a production date before 29 December 2014 under a varied permit.

The Department of Agriculture this morning has issued the varied DAFF permit to us. The previous permit will be removed from the Institutes intranet and replaced with the new one. 

If staff have any questions relating to this please do not hesitate to contact Steve Bouralexis

MHRO East/West Bridge Link Works

Works to install the East/West Bridge link from the TRF into L3 of MHRP are about to kick into overdrive. Lend Lease have issued me with a program of details for the works to take place starting on the 28th January and concluding on the 23rd of March 2015.

As always we have envisaged a minimal interruption program, with works that involve drilling/coring to be done after hours/weekends and at times that do not impact on highly sensitive commercial operations.

The works will see the installation of two bridges:

1. An aerial bridge connecting the TRF on Level 4 to the MHRP building on Level 3 

2. Installation of a smaller bridge connecting the TRF and MHRP at ground level providing access to Kanooka Grove.

Below is a summary of key dates: