NEW RESEARCH INSTITUTE OPENS ON
UPPER NORTH SHORE

A new research institute aimed at improving human health and wellbeing will be launched on the Upper North Shore tomorrow.

Based at Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, the Australasian Research Institute (ARI) is a joint initiative from a number of Adventist organisations, committed to improving health in the wider community through research and development projects.

The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training will share the stage with well-known medico, Dr James Wright as guest speakers at the launch dinner.

Dr Ross Grant, ARI Executive Officer said the Institute aimed to make a significant contribution to Australia’s research in regard to health and human physiology.

“In addition to acute medical intervention, improving health through nutrition and lifestyle, has been a key focus of Adventist healthcare throughout the world over the past century.

“We live in an ageing population, where rising obesity levels and the incidence of diseases, such as diabetes, will be placing a major strain on the Australian health system in years to come.

“The ARI will use the combined resources of a number of Adventist health organisations to investigate new ways of combatting community health and related issues.”

Dr Grant said the ARI will look to team with a broad range of institutions, including Australian universities, as well as drawing on the health resources of the international Adventist community.

“For the first time, the healthcare, social development, academic and nutrition resources of the international Adventist network will be available for the Australian research community to utilise,” he said.

“This resource is invaluable and we are very excited as to what new insights into Australian health we may uncover.”

Sydney Adventist Hospital, CEO, Dr Leon Clark said the Hospital was delighted to be involved in the research institute.

“Sydney Adventist Hospital has always supported research as part of its mission to provide for the health needs of the community,” he said.
 
“Over its 100-year history, the Hospital has collected a great deal of health data and through the ARI, we can examine this data to uncover trends that may help improve clinical outcomes.”

The corporate members of the ARI include: Sydney Adventist Hospital, Avondale College, the Australian Health and Nutrition Association Ltd and the Health Department, South Pacific Division of Seventh-Day Adventists.

Further information about the ARI can be found at www.australasianresearch.org

Ends.

For further information, please contact:
Susannah Owens
Communications Coordinator
Sydney Adventist Hospital
Ph: 02 9487 9416
Mob: 0410 541 728