QLD:Rally for Research to hit Brisbane streets

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2011
QLD:Rally for Research to hit Brisbane streets

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - Researchers in Brisbane will be taking part in a rally to
show their support for a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the impact of federal
funding cuts to medical and health research.

The Rally For Research on Tuesday follows similar rallies in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
and Adelaide that attracted more than 7000 people.

The researchers are concerned about the "considerable impact" the reduced funding will
have on all Australians.

"Medical research provides an increased understanding of disease and susceptibility,
and leads to the development of better diagnostics, preventative treatments and new therapeutics,"

said Professor Lyn Griffiths, the Director of the Griffith Health Institute.

"This leads to Australians being able to lead longer and more productive lives with
associated economic benefits including lower health care costs," she said in a statement.

Professor Griffiths said continued financial support from the federal government is
vital if researchers are going to address the challenges facing Australians.

Griffith Health Institute receives funding through the National Health and Medical
research Council and is using the funds in research for heart disease, anti-cancer drug
development and to establish Australia's first centre of Research Excellence in Nursing
Interventions for Hospitalised Patients.

The Rally for Research will start at 12pm (AEST) and will be held in King George Square
in the Brisbane CBD.

AAP crh/goc/

KEYWORD: RESEARCH QLD

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