The Menzies Research Institute is today celebrating 21 years of research excellence and of building a healthier Tasmanian community.

The Menzies Research Institute is today celebrating 21 years of research excellence and of building a healthier Tasmanian community.

Director of the Menzies Research Institute, Professor Simon Foote said Menzies has much to celebrate about, since its official opening in 1988, when it was originally established as the Menzies Centre for Population Health Research.

"Menzies has accomplished significant research milestones over the last 21 years. One can only imagine what we will achieve in the next 21 years," Professor Foote said.

Sir Guy Green, who is currently Chairman of the Menzies Foundation and a Menzies Research Institute Board member, participated in a workshop in 1987 that considered the idea of a Menzies centre in Hobart leading to the establishment of the Menzies Centre for Population Health Research.

Sir Guy said that Menzies is now heading towards an exciting new era in medical research with significant growth and the announcement of new funding to build a new research facility.

"Menzies' future has never looked better. We are very grateful for the generous support we have received from the local Tasmanian community over the years," Sir Guy said.

"Our success over the last 21 years has been built upon this support and, in return, we have given back to the community through our world-class research discoveries," Sir Guy said.

"Menzies is now in a position to build upon its research strengths and develop commercial opportunities for Tasmania," Professor Foote said.

"We have implemented sound strategies and governance arrangements to ensure that Tasmania's medical research activity continues to develop and thrive to the benefit all Tasmanians and future generations," Professor Foote said.

 
The Federal Government's commitment of $44.7 million in last week's budget, towards the development of a second $90 million building is an important new milestone for Menzies. It will enable Menzies to significantly grow and develop and reach its full potential.

"It will allow us to carry out more research that could lead to, for example, the development new diagnostics or drugs to help those suffering from specific diseases and ultimately save lives," Professor Foote said.

Menzies is currently making important advances into the cause and prevention of a number of common diseases affecting Tasmanians such as heart disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and cancer.

21-year-old twins Brigitte and Danielle Raymond of Kingston were one of the first set of twins to participate in Menzies' first participant-based study, known as the Tasmanian Infant Health Study (TIHS). The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) study was a part of the TIHS study.

The SIDS study was Menzies' first world-class research finding - discovering the link between babies' sleeping position and sudden infant death syndrome.

Today, Brigitte and Danielle are both studying at the University of Tasmania. Bridgette and Danielle were actively involved with the TIHS study from 1988 until 2004. 

"We underwent a variety of basic tests during that time from simple fitness tests, bone density scans to dietary examinations," Danielle said.

"I personally encourage everyone to support the work of Menzies. It is very gratifying to know that your involvement may one day help save lives," Danielle said.  

Today's 21st Anniversary has been made possible through the generous support of the Tasmanian community, University of Tasmania (UTAS), Tasmanian Government, Menzies Foundation, external funding bodies and philanthropic organisations.

The 21st Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year with a formal celebration for Menzies' supporters in December including a symposium and dinner in the new Menzies' building.

Released by:

Fiona Horwood
Communications Manager
Menzies Research Institute
Phone: (03) 6226 7751

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