Annual Research Report to Council 2006-2007 - Forensicare

Chairman’s ReportForensicare has evolved into a leadingforensic mental health service. Thestatutory functions and powers ofForensicare include the mandate“to conduct research in the fieldsof forensic mental health, forensichealth, clinical forensic medicineand related fields.”The broad range of research producedby Forensicare staff members, and theacademic reputation we enjoy, areamong our proudest accomplishments.Forensicare’s mandate to conductresearch is quite unique among healthand human services. All too often, atension exists between research andpractice. Leonardo Da Vinci reflected onthe relationship between science andpractice, writing that “those who fall inlove with practice without science are likea sailor who enters a ship without a helmor a compass, and who never can becertain whither he is going.” Whileeffective practice cannot occur withoutbeing informed by science, the sciencein our field cannot move forward withoutinnovative and solid clinical practice.As this Annual Research Report attests,within Forensicare there is a critical nexusbetween science and practice – witheach informing the other to ensure thatexcellence in our service continues as wenavigate our way forward.A review of this report demonstrates thatthe commitment to research extendsbeyond those few members of staff whohave academic appointments to agrowing number of clinical staffmembers. This development reflects thefact that clinical research is now wellconsolidated culturally at Forensicare.The featured research provides excellentexamples of research that informs clinicalpractice.The Centre for Forensic BehaviouralScience, operated under the auspicesof Monash University with the supportof Forensicare, continued to develop andflourish this year. The Centre has beenundertaking a broad range of researchand consultation. Of particular note is thatDr. Stuart Thomas was appointed to theCentre in a continuing role as SeniorLecturer. He has made a fantasticaddition to the Centre and the researchwork of Forensicare.This is the first Annual Research Reportcompleted under my chairmanship ofthe Research Committee. We owe a debtof gratitude to the Honourable JusticeBernard Teague, who chaired theCommittee for five years. Justice Teaguewas very supportive of our ongoingresearch and he became engagedin collaborative research investigatingthe jury.I am proud to present the 2006/2007Forensicare Research Report andcongratulate all members of staff whohave directly and indirectly contributedto what has been an excellent year’sachievement.Professor James OgloffChairman, Research CommitteeDirector of Psychological Services,ForensicareProfessor of Clinical Forensic Psychologyand Director of the Centre for ForensicBehavioural Science, Monash UniversityVictorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Eighth Annual Research Report to Council1