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HDA co-hosts Developmental Overnutrition seminar
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On 24 January 2012, HDA along with the School of Population Health and Clinical Practice (University of Adelaide), and the Robinson Institute (University of Adelaide) co-hosted a seminar on Developmental Overnutrition: an old hypothesis with new relevance? to an audience of ~100 people. The seminar was presented by visiting UK epidemiologist, Professor Debbie Lawlor who provided current evidence into the complexities of the underlying mechanisms associated between pregnancy diabetes and having a heavier and fatter baby. The talk can be found here.
HDA holds 'Brain, Behaviour and Development' event
 
HDA co-hosts Eating for Two: Nutrition in Pregnancy community forum
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On 27 September 2011, HDA along with the Foodplus Research Centre (University of Adelaide), Robinson Institute (University of Adelaide), and Women’s & Children’s Health Research Institute co-hosted the Eating for Two: Nutrition in Pregnancy community forum at Elder Hall to an audience of ~300 people. The forum provided a unique opportunity to hear from some of Australia’s finest practitioners and researchers with the latest evidence in pregnancy nutrition questions answered during a panel discussion with the audience. The event MC was Amanda Blair from 5AA radio, with welcome and closing remarks by Prof Bob Gibson (Director, Foodplus Research Centre) and Prof Rob Norman (Director, Robinson Institute). Speakers included Dr Rosemary Stanton OAM on dietary guidelines and recommendation in pregnancy; Prof Maria Makrides (WCHRI) on use or abuse of supplements in pregnancy; Prof Jodie Dodd (Robinson Institute) on impact of obesity on pregnancy; with additional panellists Prof Claire Roberts and Ms Philippa Middleton (Robinson Institute).
   
pic l to r: 1. Prof Dodd, Prof Makrides, Ms Middleton, Prof Roberts & Rosemary Stanton. 2. Prof Norman, Amanda Blair & Prof Gibson. 3-4. Audience & Panel.
The podcast to the forum can be found at the Foodplus Research Centre website.
HDA co-hosts Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research
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On 29-30 August 2011, the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre at UniSA and HDA co-hosted the 2nd annual Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research: Sustainable Nutrition - Sustainable Lifestyles at The Sebel Playford, Adelaide. The forum was officially opened by the Hon. John Hill, Minister for Health followed by Prof Tony McMichael presenting the Paul Nestel lecture. Major sponsors of the forum were the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and Nestle. Supporting sponsors of the forum were Go Grains Health & Nutriton, Heart Foundation, Unilever, Nutrition Society of Australia (SA branch), Mars Australia, Dairy Health & Nutrition Consortium, Meat and Livestock Australia, Sanitarium, and Simplot Australia.
   
pictured l to r: 1. Dr Basil Hetzel AC with Prof Tony McMichael AO who presented the Paul Nestel Lecture. 2. The AFGC Dinner. 3. The Food Forum. 4. The speakers (not all present).
Speakers inlcuded:
HDA holds 7th annual Oration
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On 25 August 2011, HDA held our 7th annual Oration presented by Professor John Lynch, Discipline of Public Health, University of Adelaide on Why are economists interested in early childhood health and development? to a large audience of ~200 people. Professor Michael Sawyer, HDA Co-Convenor chaired the event and presented Professor Lynch with the Healthy Development Adelaide Award for 2011. Professor Lynch's presentation brought together research themes from several disciplines that have been foundational in focussing attention on the importance of supporting early childhood development for individuals, communities and societies. These include the fetal origins hypothesis, lifecourse epidemiology, early life nutrition, evidence from pre-and post natal, early childhood and pre-school intervention trials, cognitive neuroscience, personality psychology, and the econometrics of investing in early childhood programs. Australia and in particular South Australia has robust policy frameworks, innovative programs and world class research capacity to make important contributions to advancing the science and practice of early childhood health and development.
To download, click on slides (6 MB) or video (458 MB).
  
pictured l to r: 1. Prof Robert Norman (HDA Co-Convenor), Prof John Lynch with his award, Prof Michael Sawyer (HDA Co-Convenor). 2. Attendees; Dr John Pockett, Anne Bosio, Dr Basil Hetzel AC, and Prof Peter Howe. 3. Attendees.
HDA holds 'Micronutrients in pregnancy' event
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On 14 July 2011, HDA hosted it’s third Thematic Evening for the year on 'Micronutrients in Pregnancy: It’s the little things that count' to an audience of ~150 people. The event was sponsored by the Nutrition Society of Australia (SA branch) and chaired by Dr Alison Coates from the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre at UniSA.
Speakers included Dr Denise Furness (Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide) on Folate in pregnancy: friend or foe?; Dr Jo Zhou (Women’s & Children’s Health Research Institute / Foodplus Research Centre, University of Adelaide) on Iron in pregnancy: a double edged sword; Prof Tony Perkins (Head, School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University) on Selenium in pregnancy: does it matter?; and Prof Claire Roberts (Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide) on Vitamin D in pregnancy: too much and too little.
  
HDA co-hosts Scientific Networking Event
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On 10 June 2011, HDA co-hosted alongside the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR - SA branch) a scientific networking event on Strategies for Successful Networking at the Science Exchange, Adelaide. The event attracted ~100 students and early career researchers interested in gaining tips in successful networking from some of Adelaide's senior experts that included Professor Caroline McMillen (Deputy Vice Chancellor & VP: Research & Innovation, UniSA), Dr Beverly Muhlhausler (Senior Research Fellow, Foodplus Research Centre, University of Adelaide), Dr Alison Mastrangelo (Adjunct A/Professor, University of Adelaide; Principal Consultant, LinkingU) and Mr Daryl Stillwell (Managing Director, Stillwell Management Consultants).
  
pictured l to r: 1. Mr Daryl Stillwell. 2. Professor Caroline McMillen. 3. Attendees networking.
HDA holds 'Parents can make a difference' event
 
HDA holds Family Home-Visiting & Children's Centres Forum
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On 19 April 2011, HDA held a forum on 'Family Home-Visiting & Children's Centres...learning from the experience in the UK' to an attendance of over 200 people from government and health care services. The forum was opened by the Minister for Early Childhood Development, The Hon Jay Weatherill MP. HDA hosted two international experts who are leaders in the roll-out and evaluation of early childhood services within the UK and provided a unique opportunity for discourse around the unique services within South Australia and how we can share with and learn from the UK experience. The forum was convened by Professor Michael Sawyer, and sessions chaired by Prof John Lynch and Ms Gail Mondy (CEO, Children, Youth & Women's Health Service).
The UK speakers were Professor Jacqueline Barnes (Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London), one of the leading figures in the UK Family Nurse Partnership Program presenting on The reality of implementing evidence-based practice. introducing the nurse family partnership home-visiting programme in England; Professor Edward Melhuish (Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London), leads the National Evaluation of Sure Start Programs presenting on Early childhood education and care in a broad social and economic context.
The South Australian speakers included Professor Michael Sawyer (Head, Research & Evaluation Unit, CYWHS) presenting on Evaluating family home-visiting in South Australia; Professor John Lynch (NHMRC Australia Fellow, Discipline of Public Health, University of Adelaide) presenting on A public health approach to enhancing early childhood development in South Australia; Trish Winter (Executive Director, Early Childhood Services, DECS) presenting on Achieving outcomes for children, families and communitites through integrated outcomes based planning.
   
pictured l to r: 1. Forum audience. 2. Minister Weatherill opening address. 3. Gail Mondy, Prof John Lynch, Prof Jacqueline Barnes, Prof Michael Sawyer, and Prof Edward Melhuish; Forum delegates.
HDA co-hosts Antisocial Behaviour in Young People event: does nutrition matter?
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On 13 April 2011, UniSA Sansom Institute Seminar - Antisocial behaviour in young people: does nutrition matter? was co-hosted with HDA, Northern Futures, and the Nutrition Society of Australia (SA branch). The seminar was chaired by Prof Kerin O'Dea, Director of the Sansom Institute at UniSA and attracted ~170 attendees from a range of areas within government, relevant organisations and health services. The seminar discussed links between nutrition and behaviour, and pioneering research in the UK that found significant reductions in reprimands in offenders following micronutrient and essential fatty acid supplementation compared with placebo; plus an overview of youth justice and correctional services here in South Australia from senior government executives as a local context for discussion.
Speakers included Dr Bernard Gesch (Senior Research Scientist, University of Oxford) on Antisocial behaviour in young people: does nutrition matter; Jackie Bray (Director, Youth Justice) on Youth justice SA; Peter Severin (CEO, Department for Correctional Services) on Criminal justice - SA perspective.
   pictured l to r: 1. Mr Peter Severin. 2. Dr Bernard Gesch. 3. audience
HDA holds Childhood Obesity event - is it really an epidemic?
 
HDA Member wins Australia Day Honour
 On
26 January 2011, Professor Alastair MacLennan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his 40 years’ work in women’s and children’s health, in particular unravelling the causes of cerebral palsy.
Professor Alastair MacLennan has an international reputation for leading the world's largest research group into the causes of cerebral palsy, which affects more than 30,000 people in Australia.
Professor MacLennan heads the South Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group, a multidisciplinary group headquartered at the University of Adelaide, which collaborates with national and international researchers. Named 2009 South Australian Scientist of the Year for Public Good, Professor MacLennan is Head of the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Robinson Institute, the University of Adelaide's research arm for reproductive health and early origins of health and disease. He is also a senior visiting specialist at the Queen Victoria Hospital and Women's and Children's Hospital.
Professor MacLennan has conducted feto-maternal research since 1970, is the author of more than 340 publications, books and scientific chapters and has also presented at hundreds of international conferences throughout his career. Apart from his reputation as one of the world's foremost cerebral palsy researchers, Professor MacLennan is also an international expert on menopause and women's health. He has received millions of dollars in Federal Government health funding for his research into both cerebral palsy and the role of hormone replacement therapy in treating menopausal symptoms.
HDA holds IVF Event
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On
4 November 2010, HDA held its fourth and final Thematic Evening for the year with ~90 attendants from university, government, relevant organisations and health service sectors for an informative overview on the ‘Outcomes for IVF treatments: what have we learnt after 30 years?'. The event was co-hosted with Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ-SA branch), Fertility SA and Flinders Reproductive Medicine. The event was co-chaired by Prof Robert Norman, Director of the Robinson Institute at the University of Adelaide; and Mrs Megan Bater, Growth and Development Coordinator, Women’s and Children’s Hospital; and PSANZ Treasurer.
Speakers included Dr Louise Hull (Fertility SA / University of Adelaide) on ART and safety for the woman; Dr Michael Stark (Women’s & Children’s Hospital / University of Adelaide) on ART and the neonate; A/Professor Michael Davies (University of Adelaide) on ART and congenital abnormalities; and Dr Gregory Pike (Southern Cross Bioethics Institute) on ART and the new bioethical challenges.
  
HDA Member wins Young Investigator Award for 2010
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On 27 October 2010, University of Adelaide reproductive health researcher Dr Kylie Dunning was named the 2010 Young Investigator Award winner for her work to help preserve the fertility of female cancer survivors.
Dr Dunning, a postdoctoral researcher from The Robinson Institute and the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide, examined the role of fat metabolism in the growth and development of ovarian tissue in the laboratory.
The Young Investigator Award, now in its 11th year, rewards scientific excellence in South Australia's young researchers and their ability to communicate and "sell" that science. The award final was held at The Sanctuary, at the Adelaide Zoo.
As winner, Dr Dunning received The Hon Carolyn Pickles Award of $10,000. Prizes of $3000 each were awarded to the two runners up, Chantelle McIntyre and Zlatko Kopecki, who are both PhD candidates from the School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health at the University of Adelaide.
Chantelle is investigating replacing defective genes to prevent brain deterioration in children with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare inherited disease where the body cannot metabolise sugar.
Zlatko is researching the role of a specific protein involved in genetic blister formation in fragile skin disorders, looking at reducing its levels to improve wound healing.
The award is an initiative of the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide. The University of South Australia and Flinders University are also partners in the award together with the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute and the Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation.
To read the University of Adelaide media release click here.
  
pictured l to r: 1. Opening function drinks. 2. Mr Ross Forbes (Research Manager, Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University), Prof Rob Norman (Director, Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide), Gail Mondy (CEO, CYWHS), and Prof Rob Morrison (Flinders University). 3. Zlatko Kopecki, Dr Kylie Dunning, Hon Carolyn Pickles, Rob Morriosn (back), Chantelle McIntyre (back), with judges Paul Klaric (ABC Radio), Jill Pengelley (The Advertiser) and Jemma Chapman (Channel 10).
HDA holds 'translating research within vulnerable populations' Event
  
HDA holds Childhood Cancer Event
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On 23 September 2010, HDA held its third Thematic Evening for the year with ~80 attendants from university, government, health service sectors, relevant cancer organisations and the general community for an informative overview on 'Childhood Cancer: Past, Present and Future Impact!'. The event was co-sponsored by the Cancer Council SA and the Nutrition Society of Australia (SA Branch). The event was Chaired by A/Professor Claire Roberts from the Robinson Institute at the University of Adelaide.
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HDA holds Data Linkage Forum
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On 14 September 2010, HDA held a Data Linkage Forum on 'how data linkage can work for research' with ~130 attendees from government sectors, university and interested organisations.
The event was sponsored by SA Health and was chaired by Mr Andrew Stanley, Director of Strategic Planning & Research Branch in SA Health.
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HDA co-hosts Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research
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On 30-31 August 2010, HDA co-hosted the inaugural annual 'Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research: Foods for Everyday Fitness - where's the evidence?' with UniSA's Nutritional Physiology Research Centre (NPRC) held at the National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide. The event attracted well over 180 people from the food industry, researchers, nutritionists and government for the Paul Nestel lecture presented by Prof Ronald Mensink, Maastricht University, Netherlands on Monday 30 August followed by the Australian Food & Grocery Council Dinner. The forum held the following day included a diverse range of topics presented by local and national expert researchers in nutrition research. The forum was officially opened by the Hon. Minister Michael O'Brien MP, Minister for Agriculture Food and Fisheries.
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The forum was sponsored by Unilever and the Australian Food & Grocery Council (major sponsors); Merisant Australia, Mars Australia, and MG Nutritionals (session sponsors); with other sponsors including Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA), Simplot Australia, Campbell Arnotts, Dairy Innovation Australia, and Nutrition Society of Australia (Adelaide branch).
For more information on speaker talks can be found at the NPRC website.
  
pictured l to r: 1. Opening Address (Monday 30 August) by Prof Peter Howe, UniSA (Chair, Forum Organising Committee). 2. Official Opening (Tuesday 31 August) by Hon. Minister Michael O'Brien MP, Minister for Agriculture, Food & Fisheries. 3. Forum Speakers - back row l to r: A/Prof David Cameron-Smith (Deakin University), A/Prof Jennifer Keogh (Australian Institute of Weight Control), Dr Natalie Sinn (UniSA), Dr Janet Bryan (UniSA), Dr Karen Murphy (UniSA), Prof Lynne Cobiac (Flinders University), Prof Tim Olds (UniSA), Dr Alison Coates (UniSA), Prof Ross Butler (UniSA). front row l to r: A/Prof Jon Buckley (UniSA), Prof Michael Fenech (CSIRO Food & Nutritional Sciences), Prof Paul Nestel (BakerIDI Heart & Diabetes Institute), Prof Ronald Mensink (Maastricht University, Netherlands), Prof Peter Howe (UniSA), and Dr Geoffrey Annison (Australian Food & Grocery Council). Speakers not present in photo - Prof Katrine Baghurst (UniSA), Prof Maria Makrides (Women's & Children's Health Research Institute / University of Adelaide), Prof Ian Chapman (University of Adelaide), A/Prof Manny Noakes (CSIRO Food & Nutritional Sciences).
HDA holds 'translating research from bench to bedside' Event
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On 28 July 2010, HDA held it’s second Forum for the year on ‘translating research from bench to bedside’ focussed towards students and early career researchers.
The event was chaired by A/Prof Pat Buckley (Dean: Research & Research Education) from UniSA. Speakers included Prof John Hopwood (Chair: South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute [SAHMRI] Research Committee) on SAHMRI’s perspective; Mrs Bernadette Richards (University of Adelaide) on Ethical perspective of translating research; Dr Jane Bowen (CSIRO Food & Nutritional Sciences) on Translating research from bench to books; Dr Cuong Tran (CYWHS) on A journey towards clinical medicine research and Prof Ross McKinnon (UniSA) on A roadmap for infrastructure - enabling translation.
  
pictured l to r: 1. HDA Forum audience. 2. Prof John Hopwood, Chair SAHMRI Research Committee. 3. The SAHMRI building design.
HDA holds '6th annual Oration' Event
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On 7 July 2010, HDA held it’s 6th annual Oration on 'Meeting the nutritional needs of early life: the evidence and the myths' presented by Professor Maria Makrides. Professor Makrides is Deputy Director of the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute and Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Adelaide. The HDA Oration was a great success and attracted well over 130 attendees.
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Professor Makrides was presented with the Healthy Development Adelaide Award for 2010 for her excellence in research contributing to healthy development. HDA also presented two HDA Leadership Awards to A/Professor Claire Roberts (University of Adelaide) and A/Professor Pat Buckley (UniSA) for making significant and valued contributions to HDA.
  
pictured l to r: 1. HDA Oration by Professor Maria Makrides. 2. HDA Convenors Professors' Rob Norman, Caroline McMillen and Michael Sawyer with Professor Makrides. 3. A/Professor Claire Roberts and A/Professor Pat Buckley with Professor Makrides (centre).
The Oration video can be found at the FOODplus Research Centre
HDA holds 'disability research in SA' Event
  
HDA holds 'translating research into publications' Event
  
HDA holds 'Indigenous Women's & Children's Health' Event
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On 29 April 2010, HDA held its first Thematic Evening for the year on ‘Indigenous Women's & Children's Health: what are we doing to close the gap?''. Over 120 people attended the event chaired by A/Professor in Aboriginal Health, Dr Jenny Baker from the School of Population Health and Clinical Practice at the University of Adelaide. Speakers included Dr Alice Rumbold (University of Adelaide) on Optimising the care of Aboriginal women during pregnancy; Ms Karen Glover (CYWHS) on Improving Aboriginal birthing outcomes in metropolitan Adelaide; Prof Kerin O'Dea (UniSA) on Intergenerational factors affecting Indigenous child health; and Dr Gurmeet Singh (Menzies School of Health Research) on An Aboriginal birth cohort: from the cradle to the grave.
  
HDA Co-Convenor launches new Robinson Foundation
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On 13 February 2010, The University of Adelaide launched the Robinson Foundation at a Gala Dinner on the lawns of Government House. The event was hosted by University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha, in the presence of His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia, and Mrs Liz Scarce. At the dinner, Professor McWha welcomed the Governor and Mrs Scarce as joint patrons of the Robinson Foundation. The event marked the first fundraising activity for the newly created Foundation and aimed to raise awareness of the life-giving research undertaken at the University of Adelaide by the Robinson Institute. Ms Cherylee Harris was Master of Ceremonies for the inaugural event and Chris Jarmer catered to the 250 guests.
Led by University of Adelaide reproductive medicine expert Prof Robert Norman, the Robinson Institute comprises of more than 300 research staff and students. There are very few similar concentrations of experts of such diversity in one Institute anywhere in the world. The Robinson Institute brings together clinical and research leaders in reproductive health and regenerative medicine, and results in world leading, multidisciplinary research, from conception to mature age. By focusing on the earliest stages of life, the Institute is looking atdisease and promoting health in children and adults across generations. The Institute is incorporating outstanding laboratory research with clinical investigation to discover more about: reproduction, fertility & pregnancy; health of women & babies; stem cells; and origins of healthy living. For further information go to www.robinsonfoundation.org.au
  
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