The St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation has celebrated its 10th birthday in style – holding an anniversary dinner at NSW Parliament House last night.
The 267 guests include doctors, researchers and medical teams from St George Hospital and the Sutherland Hospital as well as government officials, local dignitaries, business people, former patients and friends and supporters of SSMRF.
Staff from both hospitals mixed with Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison, David Gonski, Chancellor of UNSW and Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, Australian of the Year 2017.
Foundation chief executive Jacquie Stratford said it was a fantastic night celebrating the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF).
“This event showcased the achievements of SSMRF over the past decade,” she said.
“And acknowledged our board and supporters while creating excitement for our plans for the next decade.”
The foundation was established with community and corporate support in 2007.
SSMRF chairman John Edmonds said the foundation was proud of its achievements.
“Our aim is to enrich the healthcare of the community through medical research at our hospitals,” he said. “Over the last 10 years we have awarded $2 million to 39 grant recipients.”
SSMRF was recently awarded $4 million from the Federal Government to establish the Microbiome Research Centre (MRC) at St George Hospital.
Once established, the MRC will engage in research in priority ares such as cancer control, obesity, diabetes, mental health, cardiovascular health, arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, asthma and dementia.
“We believe this is an Australian first, that is the only Microbiome Research Centre (MRC) in Australia dedicated to undertaking research in the human microbiota and utilising state of the art science to answer important clinical questions.
“It is unique in being fully embedded in a large clinical campus and led by clinicians and scientists who are responsive to the healthcare needs of our society,” said Professor El-Omar, Director MRC.
