2013 news and events
May update
Find out about two new colleagues who have recently joined the Charles Perkins Centre: nutritional ecologist Professor David Raubenheimer and Dr Ian Garthwaite.
You can also find out about five University of Sydney undergraduates who recently completed a two-month research project made possible by the Charles Perkins Centre’s Summer Research Scholarships program.
How cyanide-eating butterflies led to Charles Perkins Centre appointment
David Raubenheimer: "My research is a perfect example of the ethos of the Charles Perkins Centre. I'm a comparative nutritional ecologist, which means I study many different species to learn how the evolution and ecology of animals can help explain health and disease."
The Charles Perkins Centre is committed to new ways of tackling obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The appointment of Professor David Raubenheimer as the first chair to the centre is testament to this commitment and highlights the unusual twists and turns on the centre’s journey to achieving its mission.
A nutritional ecologist, David brings with him knowledge and ground-breaking research gained across the globe. His research has contributed to a greater understanding of the how the ecology and evolution of animals helps explain food selection and health.
Academic Director Professor Stephen Simpson welcomed the arrival of Professor Raubenheimer, who will lead the centre's nutrition research theme: "Having worked with David in the field, I know his contribution to the centre will play a key role in our aim of translating cross-disciplinary research into real-world solutions."
Professor Raubenheimer has taken up the Leonard P Ullmann Chair in Nutritional Ecology, the first of several chairs that will be funded by the proceeds of the 2011 sale of a Picasso donated to the University to raise funds for scientific research. Read more about the Leonard P Ullmann chairs.
Read more about David on the University's news website.
Volcano adventurer takes the heat out of new labs for the Charles Perkins Centre
Dr Ian Garthwaite: "What makes the set up of the Charles Perkins Centre so great is the diversity in the research and learning happening under one roof – from 'blue sky' research to clinical facilities."
It's hard to know what Dr Ian Garthwaite is more excited about: relaying his volcano adventures from around the world, or the new research environment being created by the 'hub' for the Charles Perkins Centre.
Recently appointed as the Laboratory Services Manager at the flagship University of Sydney centre, Ian has recently returned from climbing Mount Vesuvius and seeing the devastation wreaked on Pompeii, energised and in awe of the power of nature.
Ian joined the Charles Perkins Centre team in March to lead the development of the new labs which will be a key feature in the multimillion-dollar research and education hub, which is set to open in early 2014.
Read more about Ian on the University's news website.
The next generation of researchers
Jing Lu's scholarship enabled her to work with researchers from the University and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead to explore whether inflammatory markers are associated with obesity and pre-diabetes in adolescents and if they are decreased following dietary intervention.
Five University of Sydney undergraduates recently completed a two-month research project made possible by the Charles Perkins Centre’s Summer Research Scholarships program.
Thanks to the generosity of donors who gave to our Research Scholarships Appeal, the young researchers were supported to carry out multidisciplinary research into the causes and effects of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The students came from a range of disciplines – including psychology, exercise and sport science, nutrition and dietetics, and engineering – reflecting the interdisciplinary ethos of the Charles Perkins Centre's work.
Read more about the students' work.