Neuroscience research in South Australia is mobilising its efforts against diseases of the brain and nervous system that cause Australians incalculable distress as well as costing billions of dollars each year in treatment and care.
Flinders University researchers are playing a central role in the establishment of a new body, the South Australian Neuroscience Institute (SANI), which will have its inaugural conference on Tuesday August 17 in the Adelaide Convention Centre. The conference will be open to interested members of the public.
The new organisation - "an institute without walls" in the words of Flinders neuroscientist Professor Marcello Costa - will bring together in a cluster researchers from Flinders, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia as well as scientists and clinicians from South Australia's major hospitals.
The new body has the enthusiastic endorsement of Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield, the current Adelaide Thinker in Residence and British broadcaster, who is herself a distinguished neuroscientist. Professor Greenfield will speak at the conference on the 17th, and will also present a public lecture [see below], sponsored by Flinders University, on Wednesday August 18.
SANI, which has received funding support from the Premier's Science and Research Fund, will have multiple roles, according to Professor Costa.
"Our aim is to increase the volume and quality of neuroscience research in the State, and by attracting funds nationally and internationally to build world-competitive science and research infrastructure," he said.
The institute also aims to attract leading neuroscientists as well as promising postgraduates from a number of disciplines to South Australia.
"Another area is education, where we intend to improve our communication with the public and also between scientists of many disciplines, so that we can collaborate more effectively."
SANI will also provide training in the form of short courses and workshops to a range of health professionals.
"Yet another aspect will be to achieve commercial sustainability for neuroscience by working with small and large companies, both local and international, to develop new drugs, methodologies and therapies," Professor Costa said.