Nutritional Physiology
The Centre of Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) in Nutritional Physiology, Interventions and Outcomes was established in 2007.
More than 20% of Australian adults have diabetes, or are at imminent risk, while 60% are either overweight or obese. Conversely, some 40% of the elderly receiving domiciliary support are at risk of malnutrition. Disordered gastrointestinal function occurs frequently in the critically unwell, and compromises both the provision of adequate nutrition and outcomes.
We seek to capitalise on the expertise, synergies and multidisciplinary collaborations of several groups, all leaders in their fields, and whose collective track record in clinical nutrition research cannot be matched in Australia, to form a Centre of Excellence that encompasses the physiology of nutrition, dietary intervention strategies, and evaluation of outcomes, with a focus on diabetic, overweight, elderly, and critically unwell populations. Given that nutrition is of fundamental significance to such a diverse, prevalent, and often inter-related array of disorders, the Centre will fill a significant gap in the provision of CCRE funding to date.
The Centre will comprise clinical research groups located in adjacent institutions (University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CSIRO Human Nutrition), and is viewed as a major initiative by their administrations, which have committed substantial personnel, financial, and infrastructure support to ensure its long-term viability and success.
CCRE status will formalise existing collaborations and facilitate the development of others, that span the spectrum from basic science, through human physiology and clinical medicine, to population health. The Chief Investigators, with backgrounds in endocrinology, gastroenterology, nutritional science, and nuclear medicine, bring unique technical skills, unparalleled in this country, and a sustained record of productivity in clinical nutritional research, attested to by a high international profile, substantial impact on clinical practice, and the capacity to communicate a healthy nutrition philosophy to the public.
