Nutritional Physiology Research Centre (NPRC)
Research areas
and capabilities
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre investigates the benefits of diet and
exercise for cardio-metabolic health, cognitive performance and physical
function in populations ranging from children to elite athletes and patients
with chronic disease.
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre is a leader in human diet and
lifestyle research, as evidenced by the Australian Federal Government's ERA
evaluation of the research performance of Australian Universities in 2010. Based
on the Centre's outstanding productivity the University of South Australia was
ranked as one of only four Australian universities performing above world
standard in Dietetics and Nutrition research.
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre conducts clinical trials in
accordance with ICH-GCP guidelines, ensuring strict compliance with requirements
of regulatory authorities for the quality of evidence to support health claims
or registration of nutraceuticals.
Research collaboration
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre has extensive domestic and international networks of collaborators and engages in multi-centre and multi-national nutrition and exercise research programs.
Stakeholder focus
In addition to its competitive grant achievements, the Centre has an outstanding track record of engagement with industry through collaborative research projects, CRC programs and its Annual Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research.
Key personnel
Director,
Jonathan (Jon) Buckley PhD
Jon has an international reputation for conducting studies to evaluate the
effects of nutrition and exercise on cardio-metabolic health and physical
function.
Research Professor Peter Howe PhD
Peter is an international authority on nutrition and cardiovascular health with
particular expertise in the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr Alison Coates PhD
Alison has built a strong reputation for her work in evaluating the effects of a
range of nutrient interventions on metabolic health.
Other personnel
-
Associate Professor Marie Williams (Physiotherapy)
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Dr Janet Bryan (Nutritional Psychology)
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Dr James (Jim) Dollman (Exercise Science)
Research fellows
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Dr Karen Murphy (Senior NHMRC Industry Fellow)
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Dr Talitha Best (Nutritional Psychology)
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Dr Rebecca Thomson (Exercise Science)
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Dr Alison Hill (Cardiometabolic Health)
Medical support and associates
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Associate Professor Garry Scroop (Medical)
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Dr Simon Spedding (Medical)
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Dr Narelle Berry (Cardiovascular Nutrition)
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Dr Grant Brinkworth (CSIRO Human Nutrition)
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Dr Kelton Tremellen (Reproductive Medicine)
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Dr Karma Pearce (Food Science)
Support staff
and students
The activities of the Centre are fully supported by an experienced team of
technical and administrative staff.
The Centre trains Honours and Postgraduate students in nutrition and exercise
research and typically enrols 3-4 new students annually.
Research programs
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Evaluation of cardiometabolic, cognitive and mood effects of bioactive nutrients and functional foods
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Optimising diet and exercise to improve health
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Improving performance and recovery in athletes
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Maintenance of physical and cognitive functions in older adults with and without chronic disease
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Reducing the impact of obesity in children
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Effects of sleep on appetite and metabolism
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Enrichment of foods with bioactive nutrients
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Satiety and appetite regulation
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Health in rural communities
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Nutrition and exercise strategies to promote rehabilitation from injury
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Nutrition and exercise strategies to promote reproductive health
Research capabilities
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre has world class research facilities and experience in assessing:
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Cardiovascular health
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Flow-mediated dilatation
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Arterial compliance
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Ambulatory blood pressure
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ECG assessment
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Cerebrovascular function
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Metabolism and body composition
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Indirect calorimetry
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Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
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Cognitive function and mood
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Computerised test banks
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Muscle strength and physical function
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Cycle ergometry
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Isokinetic dynamometry
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Treadmill testing
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Accelerometry
-
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Biological assays/techniques
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Dietary assessment
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Gas chromatography
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HPLC
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ELISA
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Autoanalysers
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Needle biopsy for tissue samples
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Blood sampling
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Contact
Nutritional Physiology
Research Centre
University of South Australia
Bonython Jubilee Building,
City East Campus, Frome Road
Adelaide SA 5000
GPO Box 2471
Adelaide
South Australia 5001
Telephone: (+61) (08) 8302 2097
Facsimile: (+61) (08) 8302 2178
Email:
nutritional.physiology@unisa.edu.au