The Australian Society for Psychiatric Research

Bulletin 11.09.08

1. Message from President
2. ASPR Committee Contacts
3. ASPR Matters
4. Conferences and Related
5. Scholarships
6. Positions Available

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1. Message From President

1. The ASPR Annual Conference which is being held in Newcastle is fast approaching and I hope that many of you will be attending this event. We are a small Society (228 paid members) but if we are to maintain a strong identity and presence on the Australasian scene we need to ensure that our annual Conference remains attractive, highly visible and is well attended! For details see: www.aspr.org.au

2. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ASPR will be held during the 2008 Newcastle ASPR Conference. The date is Thursday 4 December 2008 and the AGM will begin at 5.15pm. Please put this date and time in your diary now.

3. One of the conditions of the Society is that each State or regional representative member shall hold office until the third annual general meeting after the date of his or her election.

(a) This means that of the current state and NZ representatives, and by the AGM this year, the following will have completed 3 or more years: Peter Butterworth (ACT), Helen Stain (NSW), Graham Burrows (Victoria), Geoff Waghorn (Queensland), Cherrie Galletly (SA), and Caroline Bell (NZ). At that point they can re-nominate for election as none will have served a period exceeding nine unbroken years in any capacity. However, other ASPR members can nominate for relevant state or NZ positions.

(b) Andrew MacKinnon and Trevor Norman will be stepping down as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, at the end of the year. This is because each will have completed nine unbroken years in their respective positions.

Therefore, you might consider nominating for one of the two positions that will become vacant – Treasurer and Secretary.

(c) We are also seeking nominations for a future President who would take over from me at the end of 2009 and who would become President Elect at the end of this year.

In conclusion, all the positions listed in 3(a), (b) and (c) will become vacant at the end of this year. Trevor is calling for nominations which can be accepted no less than 7 days prior to the AGM. Trevor can be contacted via email: trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au

Item 24 of the ASPR Constitution gives details of the nomination and (if need be) election procedures. See: www.aspr.org.au

All co-opted members need to be re-co-opted at the AGM each year.

4. You will have received separate email announcements calling for nominations from the ASPR membership for four awards: the FOUNDERS MEDAL; the LILLY ORATION, the ORGANON AWARD; and EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER AWARD.

I would strongly urge you to consider nominating for one of these prizes. The Founders Medal is awarded annually to a member of the society who has made sustained and significant contributions to psychiatric research in Australia. Previous winners of the award are not eligible to win the award again. The Lilly Oration is awarded annually to a member of the society who has made significant contributions to psychiatric research in Australia. Previous winners of the award are not eligible to win the award again. The Organon award is normally presented to a researcher of promise aged under 35 years who has the potential to make significant contributions in the future. The Early Career researcher is normally awarded to a young researcher of promise to attend an international conference or undertake a brief period of researcher at an overseas institution that they would not normally be able to attend without support.

Career interruptions and late entry to the field can be considered by the committee in making these awards. A case for such consideration needs to be made at the time of application.

All applications/nominations should be sent to the secretary of ASPR Associate Professor Trevor Norman by email at trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au on or before the closing date of 30 September 2008.

Further details of the awards and past winners are available at the Society website: http://www.aspr.org.au

5. Australian Rotary Knowledge Dissemination Award – see section five of this bulletin. This award is open to individuals inside and outside of ASPR. All nominations and details should be forward to Dr Eoin Killackey at eoin@unimelb.edu.au

Thank you
All the best
Henry

2. ASPR Committee Contacts

Professor Henry Jackson (President)                    henryjj@unimelb.edu.au
Associate Professor Trevor Norman (Secretary)   trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au
Professor Andrew Mackinnon (Treasurer)            Andrew.Mackinnon@anu.edu.au

ACT: Dr Peter Butterworth                   Peter.Butterworth@anu.edu.au
NSW: Dr Helen Stain                           Helen.Stain@newcastle.edu.au
NZ:    Dr Caroline Bell                         caroline.bell@chmeds.ac.nz
NZ:    Dr Sunny Collings (coopted)       sunny.collings@otago.ac.nz
QLD: Dr Geoff Waghorn                    geoff_waghorn@qcmhr.uq.edu.au
SA:    Professor Cherrie Galletly            cherrie@drgalletly.com
VIC:   Professor Graham Burrows         gdb@unimelb.edu.au
WA: Ms Giulietta Valuri                       giulietta.valuri@uwa.edu.au
TAS: Dr Kristy Sanderson                    kristy.sanderson@utas.edu.au
Dr Clair Kelly (coopted)                       ckel@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Elizabeth Scarr (coopted)                     elscarr@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Eoin Killackey (coopted)                      eoin@unimelb.edu.au
Associate Professor Amanda Baker (2008 Conference Organiser) amanda.baker@newcastle.edu.au

3. ASPR Matters

Call for nominations – ASPR treasurer and Secretary
Trevor Norman and Andrew MacKinnon will be retiring from their positions in accordance with the ASPR constitution, which requires retirement following 9 years on the committee. This shall remain a standing item until nominations close prior to the AGM at the Newcastle Conference. Nominations should be directed to the President, Henry Jackson: henryjj@unimelb.edu.au

Call for nominations for President of ASPR – Henry Jackson completes his three year term as President in Dec 2009.The recent convention is that the successful nominee becomes President-elect one year prior to taking up presidency. This means the successful nominee would become President- elect in December 2008. This procedure allows the President-elect a year to shadow the precedent and become familiar with the policies and procedures of the ASPR.

Nominations for the position of President should be directed to Henry Jackson: henryjj@unimelb.edu.au

Australian Neuroscience: Making an Impact
Key outcomes from the Neurosciences Australia Workshop
(Garvan Institute Sydney- 22 August 2008)

*This report is of key importance to ASPR members (see attachment with bulletin)

Treatment for co-occuring PTSD and substance use disorders

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) would like to invite clinicians to refer patients to a trial we are conducting in Sydney, examining the efficacy of an integrated treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. Participants would be randomised to receive either the integrated treatment or treatment as usual for the substance use. The integrated treatment consists of 13 sessions with a clinical psychologist. It involves cognitive behavioural therapy and incorporates exposure techniques. We are looking for people aged 18 years or over who are experiencing PTSD and have problems with their alcohol or drug use. If you would like more information or would like to refer someone please contact:
Sabine Merz: s.merz@unsw.edu.au
or Julia Rosenfeld : j.rosenfeld@unsw.edu.au

Help Via the Internet for People with Bipolar Disorder

Researchers at University of NSW are currently recruiting people with bipolar disorder throughout Australia to participate in an innovative online study designed to help them take control and stay well.

What is involved?
You will be offered one of three programs that involve online education about bipolar disorder. In addition, one of the programs includes email support from an 'Informed Supporter' (a person with bipolar disorder who is effectively managing his/her condition) who will provide information and practical advice about bipolar disorder. To take part in the program, you must be prepared to complete four questionnaires during eight months and continue to see your managing health professional.

For further information contact: onlineprograms@unsw.edu.au

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY –
NEW AUSTRALIAN SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVISORY COUNCIL
THE HON NICOLA ROXON MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Rudd Government will bring together key community experts in suicide prevention to develop the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, and invest $2.4 million in an innovative suicide-prevention pilot program.

The new Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Council will be chaired by Professor Ian Webster, Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales.

The council will provide a forum for expert service providers, researchers and clinicians to share expertise, contribute to national decision-making processes and to identify community needs and priorities for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Media contact only: Sean Kelly - 0417 108 362
For all other inquiries, contact Ms Roxon's office (02) 6277 7220

To read more visit : www.mhca.org.au

Subscribing to Of Substance is free, thanks to funding by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.

Of Substance, is a free national quarterly magazine on alcohol, tobacco and drug issues. It isa fantastic, easy to read, free resource for people working with drug and alcohol issues, including mental health workers.
The link below to the Of Substance website provides you with a facility to review articles from the magazine (past and present) including the ability to search for those articles that specifically look at drug and alcohol use by people suffering from mental health issues or any other issues of interest for you - see www.ofsubstance.org.au and click on 'past issues'
Of Substance is recommended by the Australian National Council on Drugs.

4. Conferences And Related

ASPR CONFERENCE
2- 5 December 2008
Newcastle, NSW, Australia

The annual ASPR conference is being held in Newcastle, NSW, Australia - planning is underway to bring you an exciting, varied and innovative program.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Early April: Call for Abstracts Open, Registration open

31st July Close of Abstract Submission

1st September: Early Bird Deadline for Registration Closes.

For more information, log onto the conference website at: www.willorganise.com.au/aspr2008
Or contact the conference secretariat for more information (details below).

ASPR Conference Secretariat
PO Box 180
Morisset NSW 2264
Tel: 02 4973 6573
Fax: 02 4973 6609
Email: aspr2008@willorganise.com.au

The second Annual National Dementia Research Forum
will be held at the Wesley Conference Centre in Sydney on 18-19 September 2008,
hosted by the Dementia Collaborative Research Centres (DCRCs),

Launching Dementia Awareness week in Australia, this unique conference will bring together researchers, clinicians, service providers, carers and people with dementia.

The theme of the Forum is ‘Translating Research into Practice’ and there will be an emphasis on how lessons from academic research can be adopted for practical application in settings ranging from the family home to more complex care settings. The Forum will showcase the latest research in diagnosis, treatment and management of dementia, as well as providing updates on drug treatments, prevention of dementia and maintaining quality of life.

International and local presenters will discuss topics as diverse as;

the use of assistive technologies to support people with dementia and their carers,
the value of humour and dance therapies in enhancing quality of life for people with dementia,
uncertainty in defining what dementia is,
Issues surrounding euthanasia, 'right to die' and end of life issues as they relate to dementia.

ONE WEEK TO GO - REGISTER NOW!

Registration costs just $175 for consumers (people with dementia and their family carers), pensioners and students, or $350 per Standard Full Registration.
Visit our website now to download a registration form: http://www.dementia.unsw.edu.au
We look forward to seeing you there!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Full details about the conference program, speakers and initiatives of the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre can be found on our website.
Simply go to: http://www.dementia.unsw.edu.au

The International Society for Affective Disorders (ISAD) Congress
will be held in Brisbane February 28 to March 2, 2009.

Call for Symposia

The Society exists to promote research into the affective disorders through all relevant scientific disciplines, including genetics, neuroscience, psychiatry and the social and behavioural sciences. The Brisbane Regional Congress symposia and papers will cover (but are not limited to) the following clinical areas of affective disorders: Major Depressive Disorder; Phobic Disorders; Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Bipolar Disorders; Treatment Resistant Depression; Panic Disorders; Mania; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Social Anxiety Disorders; General Practice Management of Affective Disorder; Comorbidity; ECT.

For more information go to: www.isad2009.com

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – 10 OCTOBER 2008
World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is a significant annual international event that aims to celebrate and promote mental health. The Day is internationally coordinated by the World Federation for Mental Health and cosponsored by the World Health Organisation, a specialised agency of the United Nations. In Australia, WMHD is held in conjunction with National Mental Health Week (NMHW), which is promoted by the relevant peak mental health organisations and other organisations in each State/Territory.
Events such as WMHD are crucial in raising awareness about mental health issues,
promoting mental health, preventing mental illness, and combating stigma, myths and discrimination.

Launch of WMHD
The Mental Health Council of Australia will officially launch WMHD 2008 at:
The National Museum of Australia (Peninsula Room)
10.30 am – 12.00 pm
Friday 10 October 2008.

For more information about WMHD and the World Federation for Mental Health, go to:
http://www.wfmh.org

10th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference
Recovery in Schizophrenia - The Great Open Road,
October 23-24, 2008, Lorne

The Australasian Schizophrenia Conference promises an enlightening programme of international and local speakers presenting the latest research in a variety of areas including cognition, neurodevelopment, neuroscience, psychosocial treatments, drug therapies and epidemiology.

Abstracts from all fields of schizophrenia research are welcome. Fellow professionals in all health streams, consumers and carers are welcome and encouraged to attend this important and exciting conference to foster further international collaboration and reform. We look forward to you joining us in the picturesque Victorian coastal town of Lorne for a conference which promises to open the road towards recovery in schizophrenia.

Venue          Mantra Erskine Beach Resort, Lorne Victoria
Date             22 to 23 Oct 2008
Email            info@asc08.com
Website       www.iepa2008.com/RelatedMeetings.html
Tel:               (03) 9682 0500

6th International Conference on Early Psychosis
Early Intervention – The Next Wave
October 23-24 2008, Melbourne

In 2008 national and international speakers will come together to:

Highlight the latest progress in research and clinical care in early psychosis
Focus on linkages across diagnostic groups in early intervention
Consider the relationships between different stages of illness
Promote further international collaboration and reform

Under the leadership of Professor Patrick McGorry, a scientific programme is being developed by leading mental health experts from around the world to ensure the content is stimulating, groundbreaking and highly educational.

Venue          Melbourne Convention Centre (Crn of Spencer St and Flinders St)
Date             20 to 22 October 2008
Email            info@iepa2008.com
Website       www.iepa2008.com
Tel:               (03) 9682 0500

4th AH & MR Congress, 16-21st November 2008, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Please visit the meeting website: www.ahmrcongress.org.au

The second Annual National Dementia Research Forum will be held at the Wesley Conference Centre in Sydney 18-19 September 2008. This year, we have been able to engage four international speakers and the program will include a variety of sessions: plenaries, workshops, poster sessions, a hypothetical, a breakfast with the experts and a working lunch for emerging researchers.

A program, registration form and call for poster abstracts are available from our website http://www.dementia.unsw.edu.au/DCRCweb.nsf/page/Forum.

If you'd like to know, what last year's delegates said about the Forum, please have a look at our October 2007 DCRC Newsletter at: http://www.dementia.unsw.edu.au/DCRCweb.nsf/resources/News2006/$file/Newsletter+-+Dementia+CRC+-+Issue+4.pdf

5. Scholarships

Grants in Aid
A small number of grants-in-aid (5) will be provided for ASPR presenters, in the form of reimbursement of core conference Registration fees. Eligibility requirements: must be a financial member of ASPR, receive an annual income below $50,000, and have never received an ASPR grant-in-aid previously.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and wish to apply, please send an e-mail to the Conference Secretariat: aspr2008@willorganise.com.au by 5pm (AEST) on October 3rd 2008

Introducing the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) Knowledge Dissemination Award

Purpose of the Award
ASPR has a number of awards acknowledging excellence in research. However, there is often a gap between knowledge gained through research and the dissemination of that knowledge to clinicians, consumers and carers, and its implementation into policy and practice. ARHRF has therefore established an annual award to recognise excellence in knowledge dissemination and research translation.

Nature of the Award
The award consists of a framed certificate and the expenses of attending the ASPR conference. The expenses are for a total amount not exceeding $3000 and include: registration at ASPR Conference for that year, for two nights’ accommodation at the ASPR Conference and air travel within Australia.

The winner will be expected to attend the ASPR conference for that year, to present for 25 minutes at that same Conference and to be available to Rotary for no less than three speaking engagements over the ensuing 12 months. (Note that if these future speaking engagements are not held in the town or city where the successful applicant lives, then the ARHRF will cover the cost of airfare and accommodation).

Eligibility
The award is open to all researchers, clinicians, consumers and organisations who seek to advance the availability of evidence-based interventions for those who are experiencing mental illness in the Australian community.

The prize is open to individuals and organisations. They may be consumers, carers, researchers, or organisations involving these groups.

The winner will not need to be an ASPR member.

Selection Criteria
The prize is for the most outstanding effort to disseminate knowledge about evidence-based interventions in mental health. The entry should describe the activity, the target audience, and the evidence base for the research/knowledge which is being promoted. It should also describe the impact that their activity has had and how this was measured.

In 2008 guidelines for the award will be quite broad as it is uncertain what kinds of entrants the award may attract.

Judging
Judging will be by a panel of three, with two nominated by Rotary and one by the ASPR Executive.

How to Apply
Applicants will be required to submit a written entry describing their knowledge dissemination or research translation activity. This will need to be no longer than two A4 pages, 12 point font and 2 cm margins all around.

In the first instance, applications should be sent to Dr Eoin Killackey, the Convenor of the ASPR Knowledge Dissemination Working Party at eoin@unimelb.edu.au by 1 October 2008. The inaugural award will be presented by Australian Rotary at the Newcastle ASPR Conference in 2008.

Research and Practice (CPNRP) at the University of Melbourne, and the Australian Mental Health Consumer Network (AMHCN) are extremely pleased to announce the Partnerships in Wellbeing Awards 2008

The Partnerships in Wellbeing Awards, inaugurated in 2001, recognise and
support innovative programs to help people with a mental illness to optimise their lifestyle and improve quality of life.
Major awards up to $6000 each and recognition awards up to $1000 each will support the development and continuation of existing programs. The programs can be delivered within a mental health service or by voluntary community groups.
Applications will be judged by a panel of representatives from ACMHN, CPNRP and AMHCN.
Awards will recognise:
- The existence of an evaluation process, and any evidence from such a process. This will be highly regarded, as it will demonstrate the effectiveness of the program
- A focus on optimising consumers’ quality of life
- A multidisciplinary approach with involvement of mental health nurses and other allied mental health professionals
- An innovative approach that has not attracted significant funding from other sources

Application forms will be available in April, and can be obtained from www.mindbodylife.com.au
or by contacting Dr Mike Exton at Eli Lilly Australia at m.exton@lilly.com.

Winners will be announced at the ACMHN Conference, Melbourne, October,6th-10th, 2008.

The Australian Society for Medical Research
The ASMR Research Awards

The Australian Society for Medical Research invites applications for “The ASMR Research Awards”.

Each award ($5000 international or $2000 domestic) will support a postgraduate student member of the Society nearing completion of their studies or a recently graduated postdoctoral member to undertake a short period of research in a laboratory outside their home city.

The award specifically excludes support for conference attendance and travel for an extended period of postdoctoral studies.

Applicants for “The ASMR Research Awards” must have been members of the ASMR for at least 12 months immediately preceding the year in which the Award application is to be considered. Applicants must have conducted no more than 3 years active research post their highest degree (career interruptions will be considered). The Award must be taken up during the first 6 months of the following
year.

The recipients of the Award will be announced at the National Scientific Conference of the Society. A condition of receipt of the Award is that the recipients will be available to present their data at the National Scientific Conference of the Society in the year of the Award. Further, the recipients will provide an article about their research for inclusion in the November issue of the newsletter of the Society in the year of the Award. Any publications resulting from work supported by the Award should acknowledge the financial contribution of “The ASMR Research Award”.

For more information go to: http://www.asmr.org.au/Awards.html

Applications must be received by the closing date (5:00 pm, Tuesday September 30, 2008). Facsimiles will not be accepted.

An original application form and four copies should be sent to:
The Honorary Secretary, ASMR,
145 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

The Australian Society for Medical Research ACN 000 599 235 -ABN 18 000 599 235
145 Macquarie Street. Sydney, 2000 Ph: (02) 9256 5450, Fax (02) 9252 0294

Email: asmr@world.net, Website: www.asmr.org.au
Enquiries should be addressed to :Snr Executive Officer: Catherine West

Have you heard about Alzheimer's Australia Research's 2008 Dementia Grants Program?

AAR is happy to be offering a wide range of research grants in 2008, including travel grants, grants focusing on dementia care, and grants for new researchers, and is encouraging quality applications from all around Australia:

Research Grants

4 x AAR Dementia Research Grants for new researchers of $20,000
Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia Care of $20,000

Travel Grants

Rosemary Foundation Travel Project Grant of $10,000
Rosemary Foundation Travel Stipend Grant of $5,000

Postgraduate Scholarships

Hunter Postgraduate Research Scholarship into the Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease ($23,000 per year for 3 years)

Postdoctoral Fellowships

AAR Post-doctoral Fellowship ($90,000 per year for 2 years)
4 x Viertel Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Dementia ($45,000 per year for 2 years with payments matched by applicants’ institution)

Postgraduate Scholarship applications open in September 2008 and will close on 31 October 2008.

Application forms and further information can be found at http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?topicid=250 .

If you have any questions please contact:

Dinusha Fernando
Email: aar@alzheimers.org.au
Phone: (02) 6254 4233
Alzheimer’s Australia Research
PO Box 4019
Hawker ACT 2614

6. Position Vacant

**VICSERV Employment for People with Mental Illness

Psychiatric Disability Services of Victoria (VICSERV), the peak body for psychiatric rehabilitation and support services in Victoria, is conducting an employment campaign for people with mental illness. The VICSERV campaign focuses on the following issues:

develop a national mental health employment strategy to adequately address employment issues for people with mental illness seeking work,
review and overhaul the Job Capacity Assessment process, which currently acts as a disincentive and barrier to people with mental illness seeking work, and
recognise the need for a system that is sufficiently flexible and supportive to meet the needs of people with mental health issues in accessing and retaining work.

Organisations can participate in this campaign by opting-in and ordering postcards from VICSERV, who will provide full-colour postcards (printed with the organisation’s logo) and a pdf kit (created with the organisations logo and contact details) outlining the issues and the actions to involve members/supporters. Individuals and organisations can also participate in the campaign by signing-up and receiving information including postcards and a kit.

Information on the campaign is available through the VICSERV website at http://www.vicserv.org.au/

This is a very worthwhile campaign being undertaken by VICSERV and MHCA members should contact or seek further information from VICSERV if they are interested in taking part.