In a first for Tasmania, Menzies Research Institute Tasmania has been awarded a $2.5 million NHMRC National Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) grant to increase research into chronic respiratory disease and lung ageing in Australia.

In a first for Tasmania, Menzies Research Institute Tasmania has been awarded a $2.5 million NHMRC National Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) grant to increase research into chronic respiratory disease and lung ageing in Australia.

Lung disease is a significant and growing health issue for many Australians. Approximately 2.1 million Australians have some form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)¹ and approximately 2 million Australians have asthma².

The focus of the centre will be on better understanding and management of diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis.

The "Breathe Well" CRE will be based at Menzies, headed-up by Menzies' Professorial Research Fellow, Haydn Walters and Honorary Member, Dr Richard Wood-Baker as Co-Directors.

Professor Walters says the centre will investigate how to maintain optimal respiratory health, through innovative approaches to early detection, improved therapy and adherence.

"Our team's primary focus is on better understanding and management of common chronic airway diseases but we are also interested generally in preserving respiratory health in the community from youth to old age, including a new initiative in lung fibrosis in more elderly people."

Professor Simon Foote, Director of Menzies says that the new centre will be a world class facility bringing together some of Australia's top respiratory researchers who are committed to leading the way in respiratory health.

"The Breathe Well CRE will enable our researchers to fast track their crucial research into preventing or finding better treatments for those suffering from respiratory disease," Director of Menzies, Professor Simon Foote said.

The Centre is a collaboration between Menzies, UTAS School of Pharmacy, UTAS School of Nursing, the Royal Hobart Hospital, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, and the University of Melbourne Department of Public Health.

^{1.        The Australian Lung Foundation website         2. Asthma Australia website}

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Fiona Horwood, Communications Manager

Phone: 6226 7751 Mobile: 0409 357 384

Email: Fiona.Horwood@menzies.utas.edu.au

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