University of Tasmania, Australia

Menzies Research Institute Tasmania is first and foremost about improving health and saving lives.

The Institute is renowned internationally for its innovative research that utilises the unique competitive advantages Tasmania offers, including our island geography, stable population and our extensive genealogical records.

We are at the forefront in the fight against disease and intensely committed to this global call for action through ongoing advances in research excellence.

There has been a dramatic increase in the rate of chronic disease around the world including dementia, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, mental health, multiple sclerosis (MS) and osteoporosis. In Tasmania, we unfortunately have the highest rate of a number of chronic diseases in Australia including cardiovascular disease, MS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bowel cancer. Menzies is tackling these diseases head on, bringing us one step closer to the vision of a healthier future.

Menzies’ impressive record of research discoveries includes:

• The link between babies’ sleeping position and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Platelets found in the blood kill the malaria parasite during the early stages of a malarial infection
• Higher vitamin D levels are associated with a lower relapse risk in multiple sclerosis
• Nerve cells in undamaged parts of the brain can remodel themselves in response to acquired brain injury.