Inspiring ‘smarter’ brain research
The success of Australian brain research may be inspired by international initiatives in brain function and structure. Federal Minister for Health, Peter Dutton, recently launched a paper on the future of brain research in Australia.
Peter Dutton believes Australian researchers are capable of great contributions in brain research.
Developed by the 2013 Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank in association with the Australian Academy of Science, the paper proposed that Australia undertakes a major project encompassing wide ranging research into the function and structure of the brain.
The envisaged project would share similarities to international initiatives such as the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN Initiative) in America.
Mr Dutton, pictured, praised the work of the think tank and said the federal government was committed to investing in research that can help people with disorders and conditions of the brain.
“That is why we announced at the last election that we would inject an additional $200 million into research, particularly in the area of dementia,” he said.
“Our understanding of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, depression and stroke, amongst many others, depends on high quality neurological research.
“New discoveries in these areas have the potential to help millions of people around the world and I have no doubt that our Australian researchers are capable of great contributions in this field.”
Mr Dutton claimed the federal government would continue to work with the research sector.
A strategy for implementing the recommendations on ‘Inspiring smarter brain research’ in Australia is due to be released later this year.
Inspiring smarter brain research in Australia is available on the Australian Academy of Science website.
