Nutrition research leaders aim to save lives

The new Centre of Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) in Nutritional Physiology has been formed by experts from the University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CSIRO, Hanson Institute and IMVS.
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Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Some of South Australia's top researchers in the field of nutrition have been brought together in a new powerhouse research centre that aims to tackle some of the biggest health problems faced by millions of Australians today.

The new Centre of Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) in Nutritional Physiology, Interventions and Outcomes has been formed by experts from the University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, CSIRO Human Nutrition, Hanson Institute and IMVS.

The centre will be officially launched at the National Wine Centre, University of Adelaide tonight (5.00pm Tuesday 4 March) by South Australian Health Minister the Hon. John Hill.

The CCRE is supported by a $2 million grant from the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and has four main focus areas:

• Diabetes (including the role of the gut in blood glucose control);
  
• Obesity (fast food consumption; tools for obesity management in primary care; long-term effects of low-carbohydrate diets and other nutritional strategies to stimulate gastrointestinal satiety);
  
• Nutrition in the elderly (nutritional, behavioural, and pharmacological interventions to reduce morbidity and avoid hospital admissions);
  
• Nutrition in critical illness (optimising gut function and nutrition in the intensive care unit).

"The CCRE in Nutritional Physiology is taking a 'bench to bedside' approach," says Associate Professor Chris Rayner, of the School of Medicine, University of Adelaide.

"Research conducted by the centre will provide an evidence base for dietary and clinical interventions that will ultimately translate into improved health and quality of life for a wide cross-section of Australian society.

"One of the important features of this research centre is that it spans several disciplines and institutions. The centre brings together internationally regarded researchers in the field, whose collective work will make an enormous contribution to understanding a wide range of health issues associated with nutrition."

The CCRE consists of eight Chief Investigators and several Associate Investigators, and is led by Professor Michael Horowitz of the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine.

For more information about the centre, visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/ccre-nutrition/

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