What's On at UWA

This 5-day fulltime, 6 point unit focuses on the application of epidemiologic research principles to questions relating to clinical diagnosis, prognosis and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Unit outline This five-day unit considers: * design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials * non-experimental study designs in the evaluation of clinical outcomes * systematic reviews and meta-analysis * evaluation of diagnostic tests * economic analysis * ethical issues in clinical research

Within an evidence-based practice framework, emphasis will be placed on the critical appraisal of the scientific research evidence that underpins clinical practice (from primary studies to clinical practice guidelines).

Overall, the course aims to improve the participant's knowledge of clinical research methods and to develop a critical approach to the incorporation of research into clinical care decisions. In addition to formal lectures and 'hands-on' tutorials, the course will promote discussion and debate about clinical research and the sharing of clinical research experiences.

One of the outcomes of the unit will be an increased level of competence in preparing a competitive research grant proposal. As such participants will be required to work within a multidisciplinary research team to develop a (hypothetical) clinical research proposal, from the refinement of the research question, to study design, data collection, statistical analysis, ethical issues and budget.

This five-day unit will consist of a combination of lectures, small-group tutorials, practical demonstrations, discussion and ‘hands-on’ experience in research proposal development.

In preparation for the teaching week, you will be sent pre-reading on 5 November 2010.

Who should attend? Health professionals and health researchers interested in gaining a better understanding of clinical research methods and critical appraisal of the scientific literature related to clinical practice.

Enrolment and fees: Please go to the website for more information, including enrolment details.

The seminar will provide attendees with tips and advice on setting up a publication strategy to increase publication output of your research activities, ways to improve the quality of your paper(s), leading them through to publication success and answers on your individual questions regarding publishing your research.

The seminar will conclude with question and discussion time, facilitated by Professor Owens.

School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia, in collaboration with Health Information Research Unit, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Wales is proud to present this "Information Governance and Data Linkage" workshop.

This is an intensive two-day workshop on the principles of information governance in the health and human services sectors and their practical application to data linkage systems.

The rapid development of data linkage facilities has brought with it the urgent need to develop new policy frameworks, operating protocols and technical security measures that facilitate the efficient use of linked data by researchers and also provide robust and accountable systems to comply with regulatory requirements and to achieve even higher levels of data security and protection as a commitment to best industry standards.

David Ford and Kerina Jones from Swansea University in Wales have been working at the forefront of international best practice in information governance and data linkage for a number of years. Their carefully crafted frameworks, protocols and security measures have been put into practice at the SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage) Databank, which is the recently commissioned national platform for health‑related data linkage in Wales.

Workshop outline: David Ford and Kerina Jones will cover the following topics during the two-day workshop: · General principles of information governance in the health and human services sectors. · Elements of comprehensive application of information governance to a data linkage system. · Legal, policy and procedural tools for information governance and security in data linkage systems. · Computing and other technological tools for information governance and security in data linkage systems. · Personal identity protection solutions in the presence of low copy number fields. · Risks and benefits of information governance and security from research and privacy perspectives. · The Welsh SAIL Databank as a case study.

Learning objectives: The workshop acquaints administrative decision-makers, data custodians and researchers in the health and human services sectors with the theory and practice of modern information governance methods that are relevant to the design and operation of data linkage systems. It is also suitable for those involved in the development of information systems containing personal information regardless of whether data linkage is an existing feature. Upon completion the participant will:

· possess an overview of the principles of information governance that are relevant to privacy protection and data security in the health and human services sectors

· understand how principles of information governance are applied to data linkage systems, sufficient to be able to develop policy frameworks, operating protocols and technical security measures that are on a par with best international practice

· be aware of the range of different approaches and solutions to information governance and security in data linkage systems

· understand the trade offs that are inherent within decisions about information governance and security and how to optimise synergy between research and privacy outcomes.

Please visit our website for information on enrolment and fees.

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is SOLD OUT - Please email [email protected] to be placed on the waiting list.

Miltenyi Biotec will have a MACSQuant at CMCA QEII from 13th -17th December. Contact Kathy or Tracey to book a session to run your samples on the instrument.

Many species on the planet, whether they be birds, fish or insects rely on the Earth's magnetic field to guide migration or assist navigation. This remarkable sense is known as magnetoreception. Dr David Keays of the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna will present his investigations into the magnetite based theory of magnetoreception, particularly in the pigeon Columbia livia.

This theory is a mechanosensitive model that relies on intracellular magnetite crystals (Fe3O4) and has sprung from observations made in magnetotactic bacteria. These aquatic bacteria use the Earth's magnetic field to direct swimming towards growth-favouring regions in natural waters. It has been discovered that magnetotatic bacteria possess organelles called magnetosomes. Magnetosomes consist of membrane-enclosed magnetite crystals that twist into alignment with the Earth's magnetic field - thereby directing bacterial movement.

The theory of magnetite based magnetoreception has been supported by the discovery of magnetite in a range of other organisms that detect and respond to magnetic fields; most notably birds, fish and bees. Dr Keays is currently investigating the genes and molecules that are required for magnetite based magnetoreception simultaneously employing behavioural, anatomical and genetic tools in the honeybee Apis mellifera and the rock pigeon Columbia livia.

Following a successful 2011 ARC LEIF bid, CMCA will acquire cryo-SEM capabilities this coming year, to provide improved imaging capabililties for hydrated and beam sensitive samples. Marilyn Carey from Gatan UK will present information on cryo-SEM techniques for those wanting to know more about cryo-SEM or SEM in general, illustrated with some fantastic images.

The high vacuum present in a SEM is a highly invasive environment for hydrated, low melting point and volatile specimens. Specimens of this type when placed into the SEM chamber readily collapse, providing little or no cryo-fixation. Such samples remain as close as possible to their natural state in the high vacuum of the SEM and allow their examination under the electron beam.

In addition, cryo-fixed samples can be fractured to expose internal microstructure and etched to enhance micro-structural detail, providing further information. To improve resolution further, samples may also be coated prior to imaging. The technique can be applied to a large range of samples with regards to both biological and materials applications.

The technique is simple and quick to undertake and provides high resolution data of value.

Lung diseases affect one in five people worldwide. They carry a high mortality and have a devastating effect on a normally active lifestyle. Australians, like most people in developed countries, are experiencing an increased incidence of many lung diseases including asthma and smoking related diseases. Most of these diseases are treated inadequately and cannot currently be cured. The lungs are also damaged by exposure to inhaled agents such as asbestos and nanoparticles in the atmosphere. This is a major concern for public health in Western Australia with the incidence of asbestosis and mesothelioma set to peak over the next decade.

Professor Laurent is a leading researcher into the basic mechanisms of lung diseases and will discuss key recent advances in the field of lung research. This will include mechanisms of common lung diseases such as asthma and smoking related diseases as well as rarer diseases such as asbestosis.

This is a free public lecture, no RSVP required.

Grantsmanship can make a difference! Come along and further develop your grant writing skills. This workshop, prepared in consultation with UWA researchers who have been successful in obtaining peer-reviewed funding and who have served on national reviewing bodies, will be structured to assist postgraduates to develop their grant writing skills. Participation in this workshop should increase your chances for success in the Graduate Research Student Training (GRST) for which applications will close on Friday 1st April. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

This year the CMCA will be leading a WA-based consortium applying for funding through ARC LIEF to provide advanced X-ray micro-CT capabilities for local researchers mainly in the physical and geo-sciences.

To provide more information on the capabilities of the latest generation micro-CT instruments, Richard Trett (Xradia) will discuss the principles of X-ray CT and the unique architecture of Xradia X-ray Microscopes.

Richard will look at how this equipment relates to existing technologies and complementary characterisation techniques. Extensive examples of the use of CT in the area of earth and materials science will be used to illustrate the exciting opportunities that CT brings to these fields. There will also be examples of in-situ experimentation and high resolution work in larger samples.

The proposed micro-CT capabilities will complement CMCA's live-animal micro-CT due to be online by May 2011, and existing CSIRO and UWA facilities. All those interested in the Centre's plans to acquire micro-CT capabilities are encouraged to attend.

The Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute, The Neurological Council of WA and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as part of, BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK Present

NEURO EXPO 2011

E Block Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital March 14th – 18th 2011

Brain Awareness Week is a Global campaign that’s about the progress and benefits of brain and nervous system research and treatment. And we’re holding Neuro Expo 2011 as our contribution to this great international cause.

There’ll be Information Booths from many support associations: Parkinson’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Motor Neuron Disease, Migraine, Spina Bifida and many other neurological disorders. WHERE: Watling Street, E Block, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands

Dr Lynch is visiting the School of Population Health to discuss the 2011 State Health Research Advisory Council (SHRAC) grant round.

All are welcome to attend.

To Cre or not to Cre? > A SymbioticA Friday Seminar Date: 15th April; Speaker: Dr Rob James; Time & Location: 3:30 - 5:00pm @ SymbioticA

Molecular solutions to ethical obstacles precluding human enhancement through genetic engineering.

Emerging biotechnologies promise to turn the idea of eradicating genetic disorders into a reality, but ethical issues related to consent and eugenics appear to preclude the option of human enhancement through embryonic genome engineering. However, by combining existing technologies, such as IVF, microRNA, artificial chromosomes, and the Cre/LoxP recombination system, a strategy for enhancing the genome of your child without taking away their right to consent, and without altering the genetic make-up of future generations, is conceived.

Will mankind be allowed a moment to ponder the question: to Cre or not to Cre, or does the absence of an ethical safety net mean that the emergence of genetically enhanced humans is already an inevitability?

Rob obtained his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from University College London in 2007 and has since held positions at the Wellcome Trust and Royal College of Art in London. Rob has been working as a teacher, researcher and wildlife conservationist in Latin America and Australia for the last two years, before joining SymbioticA as a visiting researcher in March 2011.

More info and future seminars: http://www.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/activities/seminars

Prof Rod Minchin received his PhD in pharmacology at UWA before undertaking post-doctoral studies at NCI on pulmonary toxicology of anti-cancer drugs and chemical carcinogenesis, followed by fellowship and academic appointments in Australia. HIs current research interests lie in the role of arylamine N-acetyltransferases in cancer, functional significance of the brain-specific sulfotransferase SULT4A1, interaction of nanoparticles with proteins and cells and the adverse effects of nanomaterials. Currently, Prof Minchin is the Chair of Molecular Pharmacology at the University of Queensland.In this lecture, he will discuss recent insights into the role of arylamine N-acetyl transferase in cancer cell growth and invasion. (Butcher, N. J. and Minchin, R. F. Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 gene regulation by androgens requires a conserved heat shock element for heat shock factor-1. Carcinogenesis 31: 820-826, 2010)

Outcomes of the Antimicrobial Resistance Summit 2011

Join researchers from across Australia and China for this fascinating insight into the importance of cell signalling and translational medicine. The four sessions, Novel Therapies and Genomic Information; Tissue Engineering and Bio-therapeutics; Molecular Targets for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases; Cell Signalling and Translational Medicine, all feature local and international guest speakers.

Seminar has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Selective targeting of tumor stem cells using conditionally-activated antibodies

2011 ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING REGISTRATION STILL OPEN

We are seeking volunteers for a study investigating ways to improve the health and well being of dog owners and their dogs. If you own a dog, but do not walk it very often we would like you to hear from you.

Participation in this study will involve attending a 1-2 hour discussion with about 10 other dog owners about the barriers and incentives for walking your dog. The discussion groups will run on: Friday 8th July 2011 (12.00-13.30) & Monday 11th- Thursday 14th July 2011 (12.00-13.30 and 16.00-1730)

You only need to attend one session.

Participants will be offered $20 cash or the equivalent in pet supplies as a token of appreciation for participation.

We would appreciate if you could forward this to interested family and friends.

If you would like to participate in this study or find out more about it, please contact the Project Coordinator:

Mr Martin Hopkins [email protected] 0423 977 594

Centre for the Built Environment and Health (M707) School of Population Health

The University of Western Australia

The 10 most engaging 3 Minute Thesis presenters selected at the UWA semi-finals on 21st July, will compete for prizes and the opportunity to represent UWA at the Australia-New Zealand 3MT competition in September. Please come along to support the presenters and vote for your "People's Choice".