Results of health and medical research published

The results of the Australian Government’s $700 million annual investment in health and medical research have been showcased in a new publication launched by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.

The '10 of the Best' covers diverse areas of research from post-traumatic stress disorder to cancer, and the research outcomes highlighted in the booklet have been internationally recognised - and in some cases are leading the development of international practice.

The booklet has been written for the general public to demonstrate the benefits of research resulting from public investment.

Butler said that there is a growing recognition that health and medical research is a building block to better health, and allows for an earlier diagnosis and better treatment of serious conditions that can be the difference between a healthy, happy life and one filled with disability and limitations.

“A good example of the benefits of health and medical research benefiting Australians is the research into people affected by post-traumatic mental health conditions, conducted by Professor Richard Bryant from the Brain Dynamics Centre at the University of New South Wales.

“Professor Bryant and his team monitored more than 1000 people post-trauma and found that around 25% had a new mental health condition a year later.

“His research will pave the way to identify the risk factors and implement early intervention strategies to avert long-term problems with the goal of improving treatment for all Australians that experience trauma.

“This is particularly relevant given the immense stresses that people afflicted by the recent floods, cyclone and bushfires have experienced,” he said.

"Research like Professor Bryant’s and others highlighted in the 10 of the Best publication, lead to changes in treatment and practice - and then to better health outcomes for all Australians.

“I congratulate the researchers highlighted in the 10 of the Best and encourage them, as well as the next generation of researchers, to continue their important work and keep Australia on the cutting edge of health and medical research. The work they do is changing our system and changing lives.”