Annual Report 2005 - Westmead Millennium Institute

Chairman’s ReportIn the research field,success is often judgedby the amount of grantfunding awarded to anorganisation by theirscientific peers. By thismeasure WestmeadMillennium Institute is oneof the most successfulmedical researchorganisations in Australia.Of course, the value of a research institution cannot be judged ina purely fiscal manner. The real benefits of medical research comefrom innovative scientific discoveries, which are then translated intotangible health outcomes.Westmead Millennium Institute (WMI) researchers have hadsignificant achievements in this regard. Basic research into themechanisms of viral and bacterial infection instigated thedevelopment of vaccines for genital herpes and gum disease,as well as developing protective microbicides against HIV. Researchinto pancreatic islet cell transplantation has led to a clinical isletcell transplant program that can effectively cure juvenile diabetes.Epidemiological studies into cancer and eye disease have resultedin earlier diagnosis of melanoma and stroke risk.In addition to enhancing health outcomes, medical research canprovide value in other ways. Medical research can contribute toeconomic growth and prosperity through the development of newproducts, new business enterprises and new high skilled jobs.Frustratingly, the benefits we can bring to the community arelimited by a lack of available research space and infrastructure.The Institute’s current facilities can not accommodate thecontinuing growth in our grant funded research programs.It is therefore with some urgency that I encourage the NSWGovernment to support the NSW Medical Research Strategic Plan.I would like to acknowledge those who have supported theInstitute this year including The Millennium Foundation Boardand staff, the WMI Advisory Board, Council of Governors, SydneyWest Area Health Service and the University of Sydney.Finally, I wish to congratulate all WMI researchers and those whoassist them for their remarkable efforts in 2005.Mr Paul Bell, Chairman, Advisory Board