Agreement creates a sleeping giant

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) have joined forces to create the largest respiratory and sleep research network in the southern hemisphere. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by both groups, allowing large clinical studies to be run across both sites. The larger pool of volunteers is expected to strengthen research findings.

Until 2002, the Woolcock Institute was known as the Institute of Respiratory Medicine, set up to facilitate research activities in the Department of Respiratory Medicine in the University of Sydney and at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH). Its mission is to improve the respiratory health of all Australians through research, education, prevention and care.

HMRI, affiliated with Hunter Health and the University of Newcastle, grew out of the Hunter Medical Research Co-operative, established by Professor Roger Smith in 1990 to promote and raise funds for medical research.

Some 300 researchers are currently associated with HMRI, investigating cancer, pregnancy and reproduction, mental health and neuroscience, asthma, immunology and vaccines, cardiovascular health, behavioural research, health systems research, and public health.

Woolcock Institute director Professor Norbert Berend said: "Both groups are considered to be international leaders in their fields of work in respiratory research and both have teams investigating asthma, sleep and public health issues.

"The MoU will enable us to combine our strengths, pool our resources and avoid expensive duplication."

Item provided courtesy of The University of Sydney