Canberra Health Services has taken another step forward in growing its clinical research capability and expertise with the release of the first Canberra Health Services Research Highlights Report.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the report highlights the significant and diverse research carried out by Canberra Health Services in 2023.
"There are many nation-leading research projects mentioned in the report, covering research topics related to autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency, period pain, pharmacy, wound healing and haematology," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
"We know health research is instrumental in improving patient outcomes, and the ability to undertake research also makes CHS a better place for clinicians to work.
"By further developing its expertise in research, Canberra Health Services will attract even more skilled doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who can actively contribute to innovation and continuous learning."
Last year there were 619 active research projects, 122 new research projects, 163 active clinical trials and 18 new clinical trials undertaken by clinicians from Canberra Health Services.
Thirty-three of these clinicians collaborated with ten academic partners, including the Australian National University, University of Canberra and University of Sydney.
One team that exemplifies the innovative research Canberra Health Services is doing with support from the ANU is led by Professor Mark Polizzotto with Dr Maya Latimer and PhD scholar Dr Jun Ng. Their new clinic based at Canberra Hospital is focused on managing issues associated with ageing.
Professor Polizzotto and his team have set-up a clinical trial called MOSAIC, with the aim of reversing the genetic mutations that accumulate in blood stem cells over time. They have developed a targeted medication aimed at stopping the changes happening in ageing bone marrow.
The five year trial is led by the ANU in collaboration with Canberra Health Services, The University of NSW, Cambridge University, University of Auckland and the Cleveland Clinic.
The report released today details how Canberra Health Services has not only partnered with universities and research institutions, but also with consumers, carers and the community to generate new knowledge and deliver best practice in health care.
The Canberra Health Services Research Highlights Report can be accessed on the Canberra Health Services website.
Quotes attributable to Professor Mark Polizzotto, Clinical Researcher at the ANU and Haematologist at Canberra Health Services:
"Our blood stem cells mutate constantly. Sometimes those mutated stem cells start dominating the blood production. This phenomenon is called clonal haematopoiesis.
"Many complications of ageing, including blood cancers, infections, and heart disease, are connected to clonal haematopoiesis — which so far hasn't been able to be treated.
"We have been able to identify these mutations in at risk individuals through our screening clinic and support them to manage their risk of complications."
