Solving swine flu with science: a vaccine victory

Presenter: Professor Robert Booy, Head, Clinical Research, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research Institute

Professor Robert Booy is Head, Clinical Research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). He has worked in the UK as a Research Fellow in Oxford, a Lecturer in Paediatric Infectious Diseases in Oxford & London, a Wellcome Training Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology and was Professor of Child Health at Queen Mary’s School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of London. His research interests include epidemiology & prevention of influenza, varicella, HPV, Hib, pneumococcal and meningococcal disease.

Tuesday 18 August, 6.30-7.30 pm

Bigger but not better- the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Presenter: Dr Sarah Garnett, NHMRC Clinical Research Fellow, Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Kids Research Institute

Childhood obesity is a significant and increasing problem in Australia, raising concerns about future trends of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This talk will discuss how to determine if a child is obese, the health implications of obesity and present evidence from research on some of the determinants of obesity that relate not only to individuals and families but the wider community. The talk will conclude with recommendations for both the management and prevention of weight problems in children.

Dr Sarah Garnett is an NHMRC Australian Clinical Research Fallow and research dietitian in the Kids Research Institute at the Childrens Hospital at Westmead. She has extensive research experience in children, nutrition and obesity. Her current research is aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes in high risk children, by implementing a comprehensive lifestyle (diet and exercise) intervention.

Ms Susie Burrell is one of Australia’s leading dietitians. Susie holds both nutrition and psychology degrees and has specialised in weight management for children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead since 2003. Susie regularly appears in both print and electronic media and has a weekly column in The Sunday Telegraph

Wednesday 19th August, 6.30-7.30 pm