Menzies Bulletin 1, 2023

Modelling shows the scale and impact of Long COVID

The likely scale and severity of Long COVID in Australia has been researched by Professor Martin Hensher from Menzies and Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation.

The researchers used three different models to estimate how many Australians might be expected to have Long COVID symptoms at the beginning of December 2022, given how many COVID infections have been reported to date.

The report provides estimates for the country as a whole and for each state and territory.

The models suggest that a minimum of 160,000 Australians will be experiencing Long COVID in early December

last year, more than 35,000 of whom will find their daily lives significantly impacted by illness. It is, however, very likely that more than 500,000 people will have Long COVID symptoms,

and that more than 110,000 of them will suffer significant impacts from their symptoms.

Lead author Professor Martin Hensher said it was time for the Australian

Government to listen to health professionals and act on the recommendations given.

“It is likely that several tens of thousands of Australian adults will be unable to work due to Long COVID,” he said.

“This will not only have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of our country, but many flow-on effects to the economy.”

The report makes a range of policy recommendations on surveillance and data, healthcare needs, employment and social protection policies, prevention and control, and research.

Annual event celebrates valued volunteers

National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration of volunteering, which this year will be held from May 15-21.

For more than 30 years, the Menzies Institute for Medical Research Volunteer Program has played an important role in the delivery of our programs.

We currently have over 150 volunteers registered on a variety of

projects throughout the Institute. This year’s theme is Change Makers and there is no better way to describe volunteering at Menzies.

We’re fortunate to be able to call on the skills, knowledge, and goodwill of volunteers to help us create positive change in groundbreaking research. Research grant funding often falls short of the full costs of running a project, and volunteer support helps Menzies’

researchers to carry out work that may not otherwise be possible.

On Thursday, May 18, we will be inviting our current volunteers to a morning tea with the Director and key staff to say thank you. We’ll celebrate and acknowledge the important contribution volunteers make to internationally significant medical research, leading to healthier, longer and better lives for all Tasmanians.

This will not only have a detrimental impact on health and wellbeing, but many flow-on effects to the economy

ed by S ignifican T new gran T funding

Congratulations to Dr Nicholas Blackburn, Dr Bennet McComish, Alice Saul and Professor Bruce Taylor of our MS Research Flagship who were among the recipients of 22 grants awarded by MS Australia in its latest funding round for multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

The grants bring $819,000 funding to our MS Research Flagship to continue our muchneeded MS research.

Dr McComish was also awarded a National Health and Medical Research Council Ideas Grant for

Director’s message

Welcome to the first Bulletin for 2023 and my first as Director of Menzies.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first few months in the role, and I am looking forward to meeting more of you as I continue my involvement in events and engagement activities.

I’m passionate about connecting Menzies even more with the community, and as part of that mission we will be featuring a ‘Spotlight on a Study’ in each Bulletin with

additional funding to the tune of $765,000.

MS is the most commonly acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults and affects three times more women than men. As yet, there is no cure.

The research projects

Dr Nicholas Blackburn’s research will identify potential MS-associated genes by studying families where multiple members have MS. They will look for changes in genes that may lead to the disease by comparing the genes of family members with MS to those without. After finding these genetic changes, Dr Blackburn aims to identify how they lead to MS development.

Menzies will be increasingly contacting our supporters via email.

If you would like to provide Menzies with your current email address, please email Menzies.Advancement@utas.edu.au or phone 6226 7707. Thank you.

information about how you can be involved in our research.

Another way we are increasing the community’s connection to our research is through our consumer involvement program. In this Bulletin, you will meet our wonderful Consumer and Community Involvement Coordinator, Dimitra Papavassiliou, who facilitates inclusion of members of the community in every

Dr Bennet McComish’s research will unravel how MS prevalence has evolved. MS is a genetic disease with a complex risk profile. In addition, it is more common in populations of European ancestry, and more common further from the equator within those populations. It is likely that this pattern has been shaped by natural selection. Dr McComish’s project is designed to identify specific combinations of genetic variants that cause MS and have undergone natural selection and help to understand the mechanisms of disease.

Alice Saul ’s research will focus on the role of pain in MS. While pain is prevalent in MS there is still uncertainty about the nature of MS-related pain,

stage of our research, to not only improve what we do, but most importantly to improve health outcomes for Tasmanians

As always, we also feature our latest research findings that may be of interest to you, as well as profiles of our team. I look forward to continuing to further the Menzies mission of better health and better lives for Tasmanians.

Kind regards,

Professor Tracey Dickson Director

how pain fluctuates over time in the short and long-term, and how it relates to other symptoms of MS. Ms Saul’s project may improve our understanding of the different types of MS related pain. The project aims to develop advice on pain management and to design treatment intervention studies for specific types of pain.

Professor Bruce Taylor ’s research will look at the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and if it works well for people living with MS. This will include evaluating the impact of becoming an NDIS participant on quality of life and workforce participation and identifying barriers and facilitators to accessing support.

I look forward to continuing to further the Menzies mission of better health and better lives for Tasmanians

MS re S earch aT Menzie S boo ST

Study spotlight: early signs of coronary artery disease

Can coronary artery disease be detected early by including a polygenic (genetic) risk assessment?

The Early detection of coronary artery disease by polygenic and metabolic risk scoring (EDCADPMS) study aims to identify whether a polygeneic risk score (PRS) can

predict the presence of coronary calcium in the arteries, which occurs when plaque is present.

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are aged 40 to 70 years old

• Live in Victoria or Tasmania

• Are not currently taking cholesterollowering drugs (‘statins’)

• Have no previous personal history of heart failure, heart attack or stroke

• Have or had a family member or friend with coronary artery disease (e.g. has had a heart attack, stents or bypass surgery in the past).

For more details, call 03 6226 4251 or email epic.bp@utas.edu.au

Scholarship to help blood cancer research

In honour of their friend and Tasmanian cricket legend Keith Bradshaw, the New Town District Cricket Club has recently formed the Keith Bradshaw Club for past and present players, officials and supporters. Membership fees and members’ donations contribute to the newly created ‘The Keith Bradshaw Club Scholarship in Genetics and Cancer’ at Menzies.

Keith represented Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield and was the first Australian to become Secretary of the world’s most prestigious cricket club, the Lord’s-based Marylebone Cricket Club.

Sadly, he passed away in 2021 after battling multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The new three-year scholarship will focus on blood cancer research, relevant biology

of multiple myeloma and related research areas. Recently, our Director, Professor Tracey Dickson, and Professor Jo Dickinson met with John Smith and Geoff Rowlands of the Keith Bradshaw Club.

Legacy: John Smith and Geoff Rowlands of the Keith Bradshaw Club meet with Professor Tracey Dickson and Professor Jo Dickinson.

The Keith bradshaw club Scholarship in Genetics and Cancer will focus on blood cancer research, relevant biology of multiple myeloma and related research areas

Consumers and community at the heart of our research

At Menzies, we understand that involving members of the community at every stage of our research not only improves how we do things, but results in better health outcomes.

Last year, we appointed Dimitra Papavassiliou to the role of Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) Coordinator to build on the strong relationships and partnerships we have created with consumers, such as the MS Consumer Committee and Cardiovascular Consumer Reference Group.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where consumers’ lived experience is valued and treated as an equal partnership. We will achieve this by working with the community at every stage of research with some examples of this being:

Research priority setting: Tell us what the most important questions are needing answering in health research.

Design research: Help us design studies that work for people with health conditions researched.

Get involved: Join us as a member of the research team, including helping to write grant applications and information sheets.

Lead research: Be a consumer advisory committee member on projects to give consumers a voice on important local and global health research.

Dimitra, who goes by Dimi, says she is honoured to have joined Menzies.

“As a Community Development practitioner for more than 10 years, I have worked with a lot of different communities, however the thing I am most passionate about is empowering people to be actively involved in decisions that impact their life,” she says.

“As CCI Coordinator my aspirations are to meaningfully embed consumers voices in

how will you be remembered?

In Memoriam

One sentence in your Will can fund life-saving medical research. For more information, please contact the Advancement Office on 03 6226 1920.

Bequests save lives by funding research. Thank you.

Dedicated: Our Consumer and Community Involvement Coordinator Dimitra Papavassiliou.

We gratefully acknowledge gifts made from the following estates:

Estate of the late

Dianne Mary Forrester

Estate of the late

Alexander David Mitchell

Estate of the late Rita Mary Sproule

everything we do. Since 2021 we involved consumers and health representatives in creating Menzies new Consumer and Community Involvement policy, implementation plan and remuneration and reimbursement guidelines.

“We have been working with staff to build the Institute’s capacity and capabilities to partner with consumers, including training and building relationships with key stakeholders.”

The next exciting step will be to set up a program for those who have health related experiences, either personally or in caring for others, to register their interests in getting involved.

To start this off we will be hosting a Consumer Day in late 2023 to celebrate the contributions of our current community members who have been involved in our projects. The event will bring people together and support us to establish the vision to shape our new Consumer Registry.

We gratefully acknowledge gifts made in honour of:

Mark Kenneth Campbell

Stella Grimditch

Jeanette Marlene Harper

Tina (Christine) Anne Harrison

Janice (Jan) Elaine Nichols

Betty Myra Parker

Mary June Peters

Colin Ransley

Stanley Bessell Robertts

Nancy Olive Salter

John Schoenmaker

Ron Tanner

Steve Tully

The thing i am most passionate about is empowering people to be actively involved in decisions that impact their life

Professor Mark Nelson wins prestigious medal

Late last year, Professor Mark Nelson won the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Peter Mudge Medal.

This medal is awarded every year to a person who has advanced the discipline of general practice and the goals of the College and whose research has most impact on daily general practice.

The project he was recognised for was ‘LDL-C and mortality outcomes against healthy older adults not taking lipidlowering agents.’

Mudge was a former Professor of General Practice at the University of Tasmania who Professor Nelson was friends with and he also took over the role of Professor of General Practice in 2005. Professor Nelson acknowledged the GPs who were involved in the research and Dr Zhen Zhou, a former Menzies PhD student and postdoctoral researcher.

This medal is awarded to a person who has advanced the discipline of general practice and goals of the College

Walkers tackle the Tarn for stroke prevention

On April 1, teams of keen walkers fundraised for Menzies’ stroke research by tackling the Tarn Shelf or Tarn Shelf Circuit at Mount Field National Park.

This initiative was organised by Tasmania Iconic Walks, who focus on challenging day walks that will make the world a better place while spreading the message that higher levels of physical activity reduce your risk of stroke.

Jo Cordell-Cooper sadly lost her father to stroke, which made her determined to make a difference and raise money for research into stroke prevention.

Tasmania Iconic Walks is a not-for-profit organisation offering unforgettable walking experiences through some of Tasmania’s most

breathtaking landscapes –all for a great cause.

Due to Jo’s hard work and advocacy, the 2023 event raised

more than $33,000. Thanks to all the teams who participated in the event this year and everyone who donated.

Thanks to all the teams who participated in the event this year and everyone who donated

Challenge: Walkers tackled the Tarn Shelf or Tarn Shelf Circuit at Mount Field National Park to raise funds for Menzies’ stroke research.

Honour: Professor Mark Nelson won the RACGP Peter Mudge Medal.

Martin Shultz senior Research Fellow

What brought you to Menzies?

I first came to Menzies in 2009 to complete my PhD. It was the opportunity to complete several research projects in my primary area of interest (cardiovascular exercise physiology), combined with the infrastructure and support available that compelled me to move to Tasmania and start at Menzies. What is the focus of your research?

I undertake

research in clinical cardiovascular physiology with a focus on exercise and its role in the identification and management of cardiovascular disease. A key aspect of this is focused on establishing the clinical value of exercise stress testing and the blood pressure response to exercise.

What are some of the recent findings from this work?

My research program has established

Kristyn w hitmore

cardiovascular Research nurse

What brought you to Menzies?

We just arrived in Tasmania only a few months before applying for the research nurse position at Menzies. As a nurse I have always been passionate about improving primary prevention of diseases through patient support and education. A job was being advertised at Menzies for a research nurse

that abnormally raised blood pressure during exercise (termed a hypertensive response to exercise) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, likely because of uncontrolled high blood pressure that has not been detected via standard measures of blood pressure taken at rest. More recently, we now understand that to make an appropriate clinical interpretation of a hypertensive response to exercise, we must also consider individual fitness levels.

What is the most interesting aspect of this work?

of other clinical trials with a strong focus on patient empowerment.

What is your role within the institute?

For me, the most interesting aspect of my work is seeing just how different the physiological responses to exercise can be from person to person, and when the responses are abnormal (such as a hypertensive response to exercise) we have the opportunity to positively influence the care of people with follow-up testing, interventions and referral. What other research-based activities have you been involved with?

I am currently leading a national working group of researchers, clinicians, and exercise physiologists developing a consensus statement

on behalf of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) that outlines a best-practice clinical pathway to identify and manage high blood pressure via exercise blood pressure measurement in clinical exercise physiology practice. This is a great opportunity because it means we can translate some of the findings of my research into clinical practice guidelines. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending my time outside of work with my wife and three young children, camping, fishing, walking, and being physically active.

position that involved regular home visits for people with heart failure. The position had a strong focus on education to empower patients with the knowledge and skills they needed to make informed decisions about their health and take ownership of their wellbeing.

I was very fortunate to be successful in gaining this position, and this has lead me to a number

I’m a cardiovascular research nurse and also a part-time PhD student. I coordinate a number of clinical trials with a strong primary prevention focus. My PhD is focusing on evaluating the clinical utility of cardiovascular imaging in guiding strategies for primary prevention of subclinical cardiovascular disease.

What is the most interesting aspect of this work? Study participants.

We have people who apply from all over Tasmania, young and old and so many of them have the most interesting stories. Sometimes I end up running late with my appointments as I am too busy talking to them about their lives/hobbies/work. What is the part of your work that makes you the proudest?

When we receive feedback from study participants who are very thankful to be a part of our clinical trials. Some participants have said that being a part of research has been a turning point in their lives, where they knew

they might be at risk of a heart attack or stroke, but were not making the changes to reduce their risk. By being in our research, we have provided them with evidence based personalised information that has motivated them to make significant changes in their lifestyle, improving their health outcomes. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My family and I love anything outside. We are really into hiking and rock climbing. The aim is to do the Overland Track with the kids at some stage this year.

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