Media Release
August 3 2006
New Sansom Institute - a healthy foundation
The University of South Australia is set to launch a
multidisciplinary pharmaceutical and biomedical research institute with
a clear focus on positive health care outcomes for Australians.
Named in honour of leading South Australian pharmacist, Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO, the new Sansom Institute will mark its opening with a public research symposium from 1pm on August 4 at the Mutual Community Lecture Theatre, Hetzel Building, City East campus, (Frome Road, Adelaide) before the official launch of the Institute at 5 pm. The symposium will look at Influencing Medicines Policy and Medicine use through Research and will feature some of the significant research already being carried out at the Sansom Institute.
Sansom Institute Director, Professor Ross McKinnon says the Institute provides a unique research environment that supports an all-important nexus between, education, research and the community.
“Research here ranges from primary preventative health strategies, to the development and evaluation of medicine and health policies and the development of high quality medicines,” Prof McKinnon said.
“What we have created at the Sansom Institute is a research environment that harnesses the skills of practitioners and scientists. Our research is very much about making a difference to the long term health and wellbeing of the wider community.
“Also by being part of a broader teaching institution we can tailor our educational strategies to recruit students into research training programs that match the emerging needs of the community with our research strengths.”
Prof McKinnon said the Institute had already developed a strong reputation for its research into the quality use of medicines, molecular medicine, pharmaceutical science, drug development and pharmacy practice.
The most recent example is a $2 million project to develop strategies for managing the health and wellbeing of older Australians who are suffering from chronic illnesses. Focusing specifically on developing guidelines to achieve the best possible outcomes for older Australians with common combinations of chronic conditions, the five-year project is being supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian Research Council as part of the Federal Government’s Ageing Well, Ageing Productively priority.
“Research such as this helps to build a sustainable future for health care in Australia and reflects one of the key strengths of the Institute – that our research makes a positive difference in society.”
Background on Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO
Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom is a towering figure in pharmacy. He has a long and distinguished teaching and research career and has been an active member of councils, committees, and government, academic, public health and community sector review groups - all dedicated to improving the health of the nation.
Through his steerage of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC) and involvement with many advisory bodies coordinated by the Department of Health and Aged Care, Professor Sansom has had profound impacts on medicines policy in Australia. Under his chairmanship, APAC has promoted and influenced positive change in key health areas including the development of the National Medicines Policy; medication management in the residential aged care sector; quality use of medicines across the hospital/community interface; the quality of drug donations to overseas countries from Australia; privacy considerations associated with the use of medicines data; direct consumer reporting of adverse drug experiences; inclusion of the complementary healthcare sector within the National Medicines Policy framework; and improving access to PBS medicines by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
He continues to make and impact on health in Australia in his current role as Chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Contact for interviews
- Professor Ross McKinnon office (08) 8302 2372 email ross.mckinnon@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au