Message from the Directors

Research in healthcare helps us drive innovation, make informed decisions based on evidence, and work with our community to provide care that meets people’s needs.

Barwon Health is passionate about the integration of clinical care and research, in collaboration with our community, to solve important problems. Each of our clinical departments has an established and productive research program. Together we work across the life course, from pregnancy to aged care, to create and translate new knowledge.

The first Barwon Health Research Strategic Plan (2022-2032) was launched with the vision to undertake internationally important research with a measurable impact on our community’s health. So, how are we travelling?

Our researchers published over 600 peer-reviewed papers over the past 12 months, each representing countless hours of collective endeavour, culminating in a clear and concise report. Whether it is a new strategy for tackling nicotine addiction or a co-designed approach to eliminating restrictive practices in mental health services, our scientific papers reflect the diversity of our research and the teamwork required to achieve excellence. We led papers on improved shared decision-making in end-of-life care and new strategies to prevent Buruli ulcer. We generated exciting evidence regarding a Mediterranean-based dietary intervention in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation and perinatal depression and the safety and immunogenicity of new vaccines for older Australians. We reported on new diagnostic assays and highlighted the opportunities to reduce emissions in our renewably powered health service.

Barwon Health was among the first organisations assessed against the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework and performed extremely well. Our clinical trials teams are regularly selected to lead multicentre trials, reflecting a reputation built over many years of excellence. Most importantly, they continue to provide access to novel therapies and contribute to findings that impact practice and policy locally and internationally. The generous support of the Costa family has enabled establishment of the Adrian Costa Clinical Trials Centre that will expand and diversify access to cutting edge treatments.

Barwon Health became a signatory to marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri, the Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord, which positions First Nations peoples’ cultures, worldviews, belief systems, and governance at the centre of the research process.

In partnership with Deakin University, we launched the Clinician Scientist Pathway. This innovative model enables allied health, nursing, midwifery, and medical clinicians to combine a PhD program with their clinical roles. In collaboration with Deakin University, we employed the first three Clinical Trial Fellows in oncology, mental health and endocrinology.

Nonetheless, we have a long way to go. Building skills in our workforce and creating more opportunities requires time and effort. Supporting new projects, funding applications, and data management is essential. Enabling infrastructure and dedicated research time is crucial. We are still developing systems for consumer partnership and translating research into practice.

Barwon Health’s ongoing investment in research is crucial to our vision. Equally important is fostering a supportive culture from all of us. We need everyone’s help to identify the most important research questions, to then answer them, and ultimately to translate our new knowledge into better outcomes. We’d love everyone to be a part of the journey.

Professor Peter Vuillermin MBBS BMedSci FRACP PhD

Paediatrician | NHMRC Career Development Fellow
Clinical Director, Research Directorate, Barwon Health

Ms Erica Grundell BA, LLB (Hons), LLM

Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health, Deakin University
Co-Director, Research Directorate, Barwon Health