27 October 2006

Annual Colloquium to highlight Medicine and Infectious Diseases Research.

The CCREID Annual Colloquium held on Thursday, 19 October 2006, provided an opportunity for those involved in infectious diseases clinical research to present findings of research projects being conducted through the Centre.

An important function of the Colloquium is to increase understanding of the critical role research plays in improving clinical practice and patient outcomes, and to allow members of our Scientific Advisory Committee to review our research activities.

Professor Graham Brown, Director, CCREID, together with Dr Joe Sasadeusz, Clinical Trials Director, CCREID (chair for the day), welcomed members from our Scientific Advisory Committee, Professor Joe McCormack, Professor Tania Sorrell, and Professor Steve Wesselingh, participants to the Colloquium, and CCREID PhD/Master students who presented recent findings on their research projects.

See the 2006 Colloquium Abstract Book

Award-Funds for Infectious Diseases Research

The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation has awarded Dr Caroline Marshall from CCREID and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS) a research fellowship.

Dr Marshall will begin an epidemiological, economic and mathematical modelling study (to commence in 2007) which will explore whether rapid detection and isolation of colonised patients reduces the spread of MRSA or as it is commonly known, Golden Staph. The unique study will utilise a new testing technology, which will allow researchers to test and diagnose MRSA infection within hours.

In the same month, Dr Marshall also received a Victor Hurley Award for her research in this area.