Lessons from the UK in translational research

Professor Teede in London

Translational research success in the United Kingdom will help Australia, according to Professor Helena Teede who is collaborating with health and research partners in London this week.

Director of Monash Centre of Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI) and Executive Director of Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC), Professor Teede is undertaking a visiting Professorship, and also building collaborations with Kings Partners AHSC, the Farr Institute, Hammersmith Hospital and Barts.

“My visits have been invaluable in learning how successfully the UK is integrating research, education and health services,” said Professor Teede. 

“On the 10th anniversary of the National Institute of Health Research, which disperses one billion pounds per year to build and drive research to improve health, the UK research sector is thriving, growing and having a tangible impact on health.”

Professor Teede said key to this success has been the integration of the sectors and the aligned vision around health impact.

“Lessons from the UK are critical to Australia as we consider the future dispersion of the Medical Research Future Fund,” said Professor Teede.

“The most inspiring observation has been the move from a sequential inefficient and antiquated approach to translational research across the continuum, which has assumed that the benchtop researcher initiates translational research as it then passes through animal to human work, then out into practice.

“In the UK now there is an interactive, iterative and parallel approach to translational research across the continuum, with research at all stages informed by and driven by clinical and health service need, driving the pace and scale of research and more importantly to translation.”

“Examples of this success include datasets linked to health services and outcomes, and to biospecimens enabling quantum advances in research on human tissue including genetics and cancer.”

Professor Teede said other examples include the "pull" of the health service and clinical needs driving interdisciplinary research to directly address need, and enabling rapid translation and implementation.

“The Monash Institute of Medical Engineering (MIME) initiative at Monash University is an exceptional example of this type of approach,” added Professor Teede.

Professor Teede plans to bring her observations of success back to Australia to build further links and collaborations between our AHSCs and those in the UK.

Monash PhD student shows flair at Entrepreneurship Challenge

Lachlan McMillan in Canberra

Monash PhD student Lachlan McMillan took home 2^nd place in the prestigious Australian-French Entrepreneurship Challenge in Canberra last week.

Held at the Australian National University, the Australian-French Entrepreneurship Challenge is based on the ‘24 hours for Entrepreneurship’ challenge: a flagship event run in France since 2011 by the French National Association for Research and Technology and Novancia Business School. Teams work non-stop for 24 hours to develop a novel scientific business idea and pitch to a board of directors.

“My team developed a medical diagnostic device to be used by patients presenting to general practitioners with a nondescript, common cold,” said Lachlan, a PhD student in the Department of Medicine at the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.

“The device takes a sample from the patient, and conducts rapid differential diagnosis in order to specify either a bacterial or viral infection, and more specifically which pathogen is likely present.”

Lachlan said the device may allow for more accurate prescription of antibiotics commonly used to combat common colds, and may attenuate the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria commonly implicated in common colds.

“This competition allowed me to make significant professional contacts early on in my PhD, which may prove fruitful not only during the remainder of the degree, but perhaps for employment opportunity later in life,” said Lachlan.

The Australian-French Entrepreneurship Challenge was attended by current PhD students from around Australia, along with recently conferred PhD candidates from France.

The event was brought to Australia by the Novancia Business School and ANRT ( l'Association nationale de la recherche et de la technologie), France's foremost collaborative research and development association. 

Lachlan is currently undertaking his PhD investigating the role of wearable technology for the monitoring of bone health. As a part of his research, Lachlan is developing a novel wearable device that can detect forces experienced by bones.

Watch a video about the event here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAONnqC_7DY

CID/CiiiD Tuesday seminar 14 June TODAY from 12pm (lunch from 11.45am)

The CID seminar, 12-1pm, will be on an Overview of CRISPR and access to CRISPR at Monash University.  All CiiiD staff and students are welcome to attend. Flyer here with details. Speakers include:

Dr Jun Liu, Research Fellow at MIME:  http://www.monash.edu/mime/research/profiles/liu.html

Ms Jeanette Rientjes from Transgenic Services at the Monash Animal Research Platform

http://www.platformtechnologies.org/transgenic-services-15765/

Dr Heather St John will give an overview of The Monash Institute of Medical Engineering and funding available through their seed funding program

http://www.monash.edu/mime/

Jun, Heather and Jeanette will be available after the seminar to discuss your research in detail. 

Dr Saleela Ruwanpura will be speaking at today's seminar on the Novel role of inflammasomes in the molecular pathogenesis of emphysema.

 The session will be chaired by Dr Maria Liaskos and held at 1pm in Seminar Room 1 of the TRF.

For some preliminary background - there is a good overview of CRISPR at 

http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/crispr-a-game-changing-genetic-engineering-technique/

If you like podcasts - there is an easy to understand podcast of CRISPR from Radiolab http://www.radiolab.org/story/antibodies-part-1-crispr/

Lunch will be served at 11:45am in foyer of the TRF building.

Grand Round Presentation - General Medicine - 15/06/2016 - “Mind over subject matter: prioritising the mental health of medical students”

Unit:                General Medicine   

Topic:              “Mind over subject matter: prioritising the mental health of medical students”

Presenters:     A/Prof Sally Ayoub

Dr Claire Dendle

Dr Ralph Junckerstorff

Dr Jessica Dean

Karen Freilich

Edward Cliff

Date:               Wednesday 15 June 2016

Time:               12.30pm to 1.30pm

Venue:            Main Lecture Theatre, MMC

MIME Seminar Series - Friday 24 June: 'Building an Imaging Toolbox: Nanosensors for Biological Discovery'

Professor Heather Clark, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Bouvé College, Northeastern University will host a Monash Institute of Medical Engineering (MIME) seminar series.  

12pm, Friday 24 June, New Horizons, 20 Research Way, Monash University, Clayton.

If you would like to attend this seminar please send an RSVP to Dr Simon Corrie Simon.Corrie@monash.edu    

Flyer with more details here.

BMedSc(Hons) information night at MMC, 12 July

12 July, 5.30-7.30pm, Seminar rooms 1 & 2, TRF, Monash Medical Centre

More information here.  Register here. 

The Victorian Clinical Science Symposium, 16 July

Life as a Clinician-Scientist: The Best of Both Worlds is a one-day symposium for medical students, junior doctors and PhD students focusing on the intersection between clinical medicine and science. The day will encourage and inspire medical students and doctors to get involved in research and workshop the skills necessary to succeed in clinical research.

Life as a Clinician Scientist, organised by the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, will bring together students and doctors from different universities and hospitals to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on July 16 2016 for a day of discussion, learning and upskilling.

The morning session, 'What does a clinician-scientist look like?" will feature talks from academics from a range of specialties and each speaker will give a vignette of their own research in addition to their speaking topic. The afternoon session, "What skills does a clinician-scientist need?" will feature skills workshops including "how to get your research published", "how to give a great talk or poster", "how to select and structure a research question" and a panel on the varied career of a clinician-scientist.

Speakers include Professor Ian Frazer, Professor Ingrid Scheffer, Professor Euan Wallace, Professor Rinaldo Bellomo, Professor Katie Allen, Dr Andrew Cuthbertson and Professor Moyez Diwa.

Find out more and register at clinicianscientist.org. If you have any questions, please  contact vicclinicalscience@aahms.org.

3MT at MHTP, 8 August

Come show your support to students of School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health as they battle in the 3MT competition!  This is a fantastic opportunity to hear about the breadth of research in our School.

Monday 8 August, 2pm - 4.30pm, de Kretser Concourse, MHTP 3 (formerly MIMR building)

There will be representatives from all Departments presenting their thesis... in only 3 minutes!!

Why should students participate in the 3MT?

• Entertaining and informing for your colleagues.
• Develop your communication skills - learn how to explain your project succinctly and interestingly to a general audience.
• Chance to win one of the great prizes; $500 (first), $200 (2nd), $50 (3rd) and a People Choice award of $100.
• Top two winners will represent the School in the Faculty final.
• Drinks and nibbles at the end for presenters and attendees.

Details and registration here

PhD and ECR Poster Program - Win a Travel Scholarship

As part of the MIME Medtech Industry Innovators Day on Thursday 23 June, PhD and ECR are invited to submit posters on research areas in the medtech or health ICT space. The posters will be displayed in New Horizons, Clayton campus in rooms 4.07 and 4.08 throughout the day. 

The MIME Medtech Industry Innovators Day is fully subscribed with 140 attendees expected throughout the day including over 70 external guests from industry and government. Guests will be able to peruse the posters throughout the day with a specific time set aside during their lunch break from 12.15pm - 1.00pm for students to man their posters and be available for a Q&A session. Two travel scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded to the two most successful posters. See more details here.

Flow Cytometry update on service arrangements

Dear Flow Cytometry Users,

Recently, Flow Cytometry Research Scientist Ms Jean Bulter resigned from her position within the Facility.

While a suitable candidate is sought to support researchers within the MHTP Flow Facility, for those requiring support with Flow sorting, it is advised to please use Flowcore on the Monash University campus.  https://platforms.monash.edu/flowcore/

There are plans to upgrade MHTP Flow Cytometry Equipment soon and we will keep you updated on this progress and any outcomes.

In the interim, Cell analysis can be undertaken on the Analysers in Block E, Level 3 labs and James Ngui, or one of the immunology staff, may be able to kindly assist.

Please do not hesitate to contact Vivien Vasic (Vivien.Vasic@hudson.org.au) if you have any questions in the interim.

FELLOWSHIP ALERT - RACP Foundation Research Fellowships

Applications for 2017 are closing soon!

The RACP Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, every year it offers a wide range of Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants to help support Fellows and trainees of the College to establish, or further a career in medical research.

Currently there are several fellowships available across the medical specialties including:

• Don & Lorraine Jacquot Career Development Fellowship in Nephrology valued at $100,000 for one year. Recipients are eligible to apply for continuation of funding for up to 3 years.
• One Cottrell Research Establishment Fellowship - for research or training in the areas of epidemiology, social or community medicine.
• One Barbara Cameron /Australian Rheumatology Association Research Establishment Fellowship for research into the cause and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• MiriamGreenfield Research Establishment Fellowship for research in to aetiology and/or  management of brain tumours.
• One Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Research Establishment Fellowship for research into disease associated with ageing.
• One Robert Maple-Brown Research Establishment Fellowship for haematological research.

Funds for these and other Fellowships may be used to:

• Provide stipend support; and/or
• other support such as laboratory set-up costs; and/or
• a short term Research Assistant appointment

Applications close Monday 27 June 2016.

Visit RACP Foundation for full details or email: foundation@racp.edu.au

ATTENTION : ALL ACADEMIC STAFF: Upcoming opportunities to enhance your teaching practice

An exciting and evolving range of new and repeated CEED modules are being offered during Semester 2. Registrations are now open and the complete schedule can be viewed online at monash.edu/ceed.

During July, the following five modules aimed to enhance your teaching and innovation are being offered:

·       Mentoring for teaching improvement via PATS

·       Leading change through creating value

·       Mindful learning

·       Foundations for teaching associates

·       Building on Foundations for teaching associates.

Teaching associates who have undertaken Foundations for Teaching Associates are encouraged to take part it Building on Foundations for Teaching Associates. Both modules will commence on Monday 4 July and will continue to be offered concurrently each semester.

The two modules offered until December are:

·       Capture your learning and teaching engagement  (two-hour express module)
·       Exploring technology enhanced assessment.

New modules starting later in the semester include:

·       Creating and enhancing a community of practice
·       Practising human ethics in the SoTL.

In 2016 full time tenured academics levels A-C must complete three CEED modules as part of their professional development.

The completion of CEED modules can also be used towards meeting the new Education Performance Standards.

For more information please visit: monash.edu/ceed

After-hours staff safety - Browns Rd carpark shuttle bus information

The last internal shuttle bus to the Browns Road South carpark leaves at 7:55 pm. Staff and students can request an after-hours escort to the Browns Road South carpark by attending the Security Office near the front of the hospital. Operational matters permitting, Security will then drive them to the carpark. Occasionally there may be a short wait at Security, due operational requirements. 

Bus timetable available here.

Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor (Microbiology)

The successful applicant will develop a world-class program of research in an aspect of microbiology, with individuals who have expertise and experience in the area of molecular virology encouraged to apply. You will be expected to have a proven track record of leading a successful research program in microbiology in disciplines that include, but are not limited to, virology or bacteriology. 

You should also be able to demonstrate a capacity to contribute to other research themes within the Microbiology Department and with other areas within the Biomedicine Discovery Institute.

The successful applicant will be proactive in building interdisciplinary collaborations and translating research outcomes. You will be expected to make major contributions to microbiology teaching activities within the faculty/school, including undergraduate teaching and honours, Masters and/or PhD supervision and mentorship with successful completions.    

For PD and more details read here.   Applications close 3 July 2016.

Peter Ebeling on ABC 774 Sundays with Libbi Gorr

Listen to Peter's fascinating explanation of hormones and their effect on our bodies. Podcast here.

Developing organisational guidelines for the prevention and management of suicide in clients and carers receiving palliative care in Australia

Margaret O'Connor et al. published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care.

Read article here.

Low Relative Lean Mass is Associated with Increased Likelihood of Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Community-Dwelling Older Australians

Alexander Rodriguez et al. published in Calcified Tissue International

Read article here.

Accuracy of currently available neonatal respiratory function monitors for neonatal resuscitation

Stuart Hooper et al. published in the European Journal of Pedatrics.

Read article here.

Paediatric Emergency Medication Book review

Australian Prescriber review of the Paediatric Emergency Medication Book, edited by Simon Craig (www.monashchildrenshospital.org/resuscitation)

Read review here.

Modulating the endometrial epithelial proteome and secretome in preparation for pregnancy: The role of ovarian steroid and pregnancy hormones

Lois Salamonsen et al. published in the Journal of Proteomics.

Read article here.

Cardiac tissue injury and remodeling is dependent upon MR regulation of activation pathways in cardiac tissue macrophages

Greg Tesch et al. published in Endocrinology.

Read article here.

Selection of internal control genes for analysis of gene expression in normal and diseased human dermal fibroblasts using Quantitative Real Time-PCR

Peter Temple-Smith et al. published in Experimental Dermatology.

Read article here.

Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells as a cell based therapy for pelvic organ prolapse

Caroline Gargett et al. published in the World Journal of Stem Cells.

Read article here.

How is the sustainability of chronic disease health programmes empirically measured in hospital and related healthcare services?-a scoping review.

Dominique Cadilhac et al. published in BMJ Open.

Read article here.

The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases Supports 15 Major Studies in Hypertension Prevention and Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Velandai Srikanth et al. published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension.

Read article here.

Psychological and Behavioral Contributions to Rehabilitation and Recovery in Heart Disease

David Clarke et al. published in the Handbook of Psychocardiology.

Read here.

Mindfulness- and Meditation-Based Healthcare Approach Implications for Prevention, Detection, and Treatment in Cardiology

Graham Meadows, Frances Shawyer published in the Handbook of Psychocardiology.

Read here.

The Interaction Between Psychological Health and Valvular Heart Disease: Pathogenesis, Clinical Course, and Treatment

Ian Meredith et al. published in the Handbook of Psychocardiology.

Read here.