Bulletin 02.10.2009

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

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1. Message From President

This year the ASPR Conference is being held in Canberra from 2-4 December. I would urge all members to try and attend our annual Conference and ask them in turn to encourage their students and non-ASPR colleagues to also register.  It is important from a number of perspectives that the Conference is well attended. The Conference program is interesting and varied and can be inspected on the ASPR website: www.aspr.org.au.

Currently, the Executive Committee is considering bids from a number of Professional Conference Organizers (PCO) to manage the next three conferences which will be held in Sydney in 2010, Dunedin, NZ in 2011 and Perth in 2012. In other words, the successful PCO will be given a 3-year contract to manage all 3 annual meetings in conjunction with the three respective local organising committees. This will provide some continuity for our Society.

In this month’s newsletter is the new Mission Statement for ASPR (see 3.1 below). It was suggested at last year’s AGM in Newcastle that we consider updating the ASPR Mission Statement. The Statement has been through a few iterations and the Executive has now signed off it. We are now asking for comments from all ASPR members. Dr Jenny Kirsner will collate your comments and changes made to the Statement which will then be sent to all members 1 month before the AGM in Canberra. This version of the Mission Statement then needs to be proposed and voted on at the AGM. So please do examine the Statement carefully.

Shortly, you will receive another motion which will involve a minor change to our ASPR Constitution to allow electronic voting. This will go thorough the exact same process as the Mission Statement.

All the best
Henry

2. ASPR Committee Contacts

Professor Henry Jackson (President)                 henryjj@unimelb.edu.au
Professor Helen Christensen (President Elect)   Helen.Christensen@anu.edu.au
Dr Claire Kelly (Secretary)                                ckel@unimelb.edu.au
Assoc Professor Robyn Langdon (Treasurer)     robyn.langdon@mq.edu.au         
ACT:  Dr Peter Butterworth                              Peter.Butterworth@anu.edu.au
NSW: Dr Anthony Harris                                  aharris1@mail.usyd.edu.au
NZ:    Dr Caroline Bell                                      caroline.bell@chmeds.ac.nz
NZ:    Dr Sunny Collings (co-opted)                  sunny.collings@otago.ac.nz
QLD: Dr Tom Burne                                         t.burne@uq.edu.au
SA:    Professor Cherrie Galletly                        cherrie@drgalletly.com
VIC:  Dr Elizabeth Scarr                                   elscarr@unimelb.edu.au
WA:  Ms Giulietta Valuri                                   giulietta.valuri@uwa.edu.au
TAS: Dr Kristy Sanderson                                kristy.sanderson@utas.edu.au
Dr Eoin Killackey (co-opted)                            eoin@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Flavie Waters (Early Career Researcher)      Flavie@ccrn.uwa.edu.au

Dr Butterworth is also the 2009 Conference Organiser

3. ASPR Matters

3.1       ASPR Mission Statement

As per Henry’s message above in the President’s message, the Executive Committee has recently updated the ASPR Mission Statement. This can be read below. Please contact Dr Jenny Kirsner via email at jkirsner@unimelb.edu.au by 16th October if you have any concerns or comments.

Dr Claire Kelly
Secretary, ASPR

ASPR Mission Statement:

The Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research (ASPR)

ASPR is the peak society representing mental health researchers in Australasia.

Mission Statement:
To foster excellence in mental health research in Australasia

Objectives:
To provide opportunities for the presentation of research in psychiatry, and related disciplines;
To support the development of new researchers;
To recognize the achievements of emerging and established researchers;
To facilitate collaboration both within the society and with related national and international organizations;
To advocate for greater recognition of the importance of psychiatric research;
To provide evidence based research to government and governmental agencies; and
To communicate the results of psychiatric research to the public.

3.2       Mentoring Program

Call for Expressions for Interest for the ASPR Mentoring Program

What is the ASPR mentoring program?

The ASPR mentoring program is a semi-formal, time-limited program (12 months) in which a mentor and a ‘mentee’ are matched for the purpose of facilitating a mentoring relationship. The main goal of the relationship is to provide a supported environment in which the mentee can advance their skills, knowledge and experience, and identify and develop a career plan, with the help and guidance of one who has been there before!

The ASPR Early Career Researcher working party would love to hear from you if you believe you could be a part of this program. The aim would be for initial expressions of interest/involvement to be collated by the mentoring program committee and matching the mentors and mentees by areas of interest and specific aims, followed by an informal “get-together” in Canberra for potential mentors and mentees. The program would start officially in early 2010.

Would you like to be a mentee?

The ASPR mentoring program is set up for those who consider themselves “early career researchers”, and who seek greater communication with researchers who are well established in their careers.

The main role for the mentor is to support the mentee in (i) the development of generic skills, such as grant identification and writing, reviewing scientific papers, or improving presentation skills; (ii) providing career advice, such as opinion on research options, or managing life/work balance; and (iii) field-specific requests, including technical or clinical information.

Could you be a mentor?

Would you be willing to help an early career researcher to advance their knowledge, efficacy, confidence, and career?

Mentoring is a vitally important aspect of any field of endeavour and we are seeking senior mental health researchers who would be willing to share a little of their time and expertise to mentor early career researchers. This relationship can be a very positive experience for both the mentor and ‘mentee’.

Importantly, there are defined limits to the expectations of the mentor/mentee relationship to ensure that involvement in the program does not place undue stress on mentors and their time, and does not become a proxy for work or academic supervision.

Please indicate your interest by emailing Felice Jacka, the mentoring program co-ordinator, at felice@barwonhealth.org.au

3.3       Research Update

ASPR is currently assembling documents for the Mental Health Council of Victoria (MHCA) in the area of Borderline Personality Disorder. A working party has now been developed, including Janine Stephenson, Carol Hulbert, Andrew Chanen, and Henry Jackson.

4. Conferences And Related

ASPR CONFERENCE
2- 4 December 2009
Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia

The theme of the conference, ‘From Young Minds to Grey Matters’, will consider mental health and wellbeing across the life course, from childhood through to old age. The national and international keynote speakers, invited symposia and free papers will cover clinical, epidemiological and biological neuroscience streams, and also emphasize research with relevance for policy and practice.

A number of associated events will be held prior to the conference on 1 December, including a statistical workshop and a satellite e-mental health conference.

The conference program will include special events for early career researchers and a number of travel scholarships will be offered.

Register your interest via email to: aspr@consec.com.au

Australian Rotary Health Fundraising
Sponsor a Researcher on the Great Australian Bike Ride

Australian Rotary Health is the largest non-government funder of mental illness research in Australia. During this year, ARH has been running an around Australia bike ride to raise funds and awareness. The bike ride started in Melbourne in March and will finish back in Melbourne in October in time for Mental Health Week. Two psychiatric researchers, Tony Jorm and Michael Sawyer, will be completing the last 1200km leg of the ride from Adelaide to Melbourne. Please consider supporting ARH by sponsoring Tony, Michael or one of the other riders.  

Donations are tax deductible and can be made by credit card by going to https://www.greataustralianbikeride.org.au and clicking on “Sponsor a Rider”.

First International E-Mental Health Summit 2009
14-16 October 2009
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The First International E-Mental Health Summit 2009 will present the results of the most recent evidence-based developments, research studies and implementation projects in the field of e-mental health, a domain which is currently seeing the introduction of a whole new generation of applications. A variety of prominent professionals, scientists and innovators from countries, spearheading the development and application of internet and other new media in mental health care, will give presentations and workshops. In other words: the state of the art on a silver platter!

Registration is €795
Registration and information can be found at:  www.ementalhealthsummit.com

Australasian Society for Bipolar Disorders Conference 2009
22 - 24 October 2009
Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane

This conference aims to cover a broad range of scientific and clinical issues related to Bipolar Disorders and seeks to create an alliance between researchers, teachers, practitioners and clinicians from the scientific community worldwide. International speakers include Professor Joe Goldberg from the USA and Dr Francesc Colom from Spain.

The Society is open to the entire spectrum of mental heath professionals including basic and clinical researchers, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, psychologists, social workers, students, trainees, psychiatric nurses, interested lay groups and individuals.

An opportunity exists for young/emerging investigators to submit an abstract for oral presentation at the ASBD 2009. Awards for winning submissions include economy airfares, accommodation and reimbursement of conference registration; depending on placement.

Early Bird Registration closes Saturday 5 September 2009 - see website at www.asbd2009.com

National Squalor Conference - Pathway through the Maze
5-6 November 2009
SMC Conference Centre, Goulburn St, Sydney

This inaugural conference will have a focus on sustainable long term interventions through exploring the experiences of severe domestic squalor within the following themes:

• Social Isolation: the human rights context and social justice
• Societal Structures: the role of poverty, culture and ones lived experiences
• Sustainable Housing: accommodation and tenancy issues
• The Moral Cost: ethical and legal issues
• The Collective Impact: the environmental, community and financial consequences
• The Need for Collaboration: legislative and systemic issues
• A Clinical Red Flag: substance dependence, mental health, disability and aged care
• What We Know: evidence based research, current literature and models of best practice

To register your interest in the National Squalor Conference and receive updates on the program please email: info@nationalsqualorconference.com.au

48th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Australian Society for Medical Research
November 15-17 2009 
The Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart

The theme for the conference is "Neurogenetics on the Apple Isle"

Speakers include Firkin Orator, Professor Jonathan Flint of the University of Oxford, UK who is investigating the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders
 
The program covers diverse topics such as epilepsy, neuromuscular diseases, motor neurone, schizophrenia, stroke, Huntington's disease, ataxis, MS, neuropathies, brain development, mental retardation, Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, neurofibromatosis, muscular dystrophy and neurological diseases. 
 
Abstract submission and online bookings are now open at: http://www.asmr-nsc.org.au/ 

Submissions for Poster-Only selection close Friday September 25th 2009

XIV Annual Course of Schizophrenia “Psychosis: Communication, motivation and change
26-28th November 2009
Hotel Meliá Castilla, Madrid

The Schizophrenia Courses aimed at mental health care professionals, that have been held over the last thirteen years, have been organised by the Psychiatry Service I of the General University Hospital “Gregorio Marañón” of Madrid, with the institutional and financial support of the Foundation for the Investigation and Treatment of Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders and institutional member of ISPS (International Society for Psychological Treatments of Schizophrenias and Other Psychoses) . Their objective is to facilitate the relationship and up-date the knowledge of all the professionals involved in and interested in understanding these patients better and helping them more.

For information, visit the website at: www.cursoesquizofreniamadrid.com

4th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders
17-20th March 2010, San Paolo, Brazil

The ISBD is the premier global bipolar disorder research and advocacy group, and this is the official biennial meeting of the Society. The ISBD is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all its activities, and aims to bring together international scientists and clinicians to advance shared goals.

Bipolar disorder is one of the most active and rapidly evolving areas of psychiatry, and this meeting will provide an opportunity to hear cutting edge findings, presented by a select panel of internationally recognized experts in the area. The educational program will comprise plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, oral communications and poster sessions, and a forum for involving patient advocacy and support groups.

More information can be found at:
www.isbd2010.org

11th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference
22-24 September 2010
Sydney

The 11th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference (ASC 2010) will be hosted by The Schizophrenia Research Institute. The theme of the ASC2010 conference will be ‘Molecules to Mind’, which reflects the broad perspective required to achieve a greater scientific understanding of schizophrenia, understanding that will make a tangible difference in the lives of people with this illness. The theme reflects the quest for improved knowledge of the molecular and cellular processes involved, better appreciation of the structure and function of the brain in this disorder, new insights into the role of social and other environmental influences in contributing to schizophrenia, and to discover how new knowledge at each of these levels may be translated into better therapies and preventative interventions.
A range of internationally renowned scientists from Europe, Asia and the USA will be presenting at the ASC2010 conference. In addition, Australian researchers will be invited to present their own work across the ‘Molecules to Mind’ spectrum in a way that will complement the presentations of our international guests. Special workshops with strong clinical themes will be available to highlight the translational capacities that have developed recently, and how both sound evidence and theory can inform innovative therapy.

Details of the Conference can be found at: www.asc2010.com

5. Scholarships and Positions Available

The Schizophrenia Research Institute (SRI) is a non-profit, NHMRC accredited independent research institute, with the vision of finding the ways to prevent and cure schizophrenia.

SRI is pleased to announce details and invite applications from research students for the award of a number of Postgraduate Scholarships for Schizophrenia Research. There will be two categories of scholarships offered:

The Richard Pratt Scholarship for Schizophrenia Research

Richard Pratt was a great leader in Australian philanthropy. The Pratt Foundation continues as a wonderful tribute to his life and his family and has been a major supporter of the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank.

In honour of his personal commitment and generosity to the Schizophrenia Research Institute, we are pleased to announce details of the Richard Pratt Scholarship for Schizophrenia Research. This aim of this scholarship is to assist a young Victorian researcher to establish a career in schizophrenia research.

This scholarship must be undertaken at an established Victorian research centre and the project must utilise data, samples or volunteers from the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank.

Schizophrenia Research Institute Scholarships

Further scholarship(s) in schizophrenia research are also being offered. These scholarship(s) must be:

• undertaken at a currently funded SRI research centre in NSW, Queensland, Victoria or Western Australia,

or

• supervised by a current SRI employee or Affiliated Scientist

The scholarship project must also utilise data, samples or volunteers from the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank.

For more detailed information on scholarship criteria, please read the Application Form and Conditions of Award documents, which are available on the Careers section of the SRI web site at: www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2009.
For further information and submission of applications (via email):
Liesl Duffy
Research Coordinator
Schizophrenia Research Institute
l.duffy@schizophreniaresearch.org.au