A complex problem requiring a unique solution

Researchers in one of the University

Researchers in one of the University's laboratories

Obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are examples of ‘complex systems’ that share many common pathways. A core part of our work in the new centre will be to improve our understanding of these pathways so that we can deliver solutions.

The centre's approach is encapsulated in the phrase 'from soil to society'. This recognises that solutions will not just emerge from the medical and scientific fields. We also require insights into, for example, food production and pricing, and the development and implementation of public policy.

If we are to succeed in our mission, we need to tackle some 'big questions'.

Questions we want to answer

  • Can we design a healthy, affordable, palatable and sustainable diet?
  • Why do people become overweight?
  • How can we develop ways of predicting who is at risk?
  • Why do some overweight people get diabetes, but others do not?
  • Why do some people who have diabetes get complications, whereas others do not?
  • Can we develop ways of predicting who is at risk?
  • What public health interventions will work in tackling these diseases?
  • Do social media and mobile device apps have a role?
  • What innovations in broader social policy might have a sustainable impact in addressing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease?
  • How can we improve our understanding of the way food impacts on health?
  • How can we improve our understanding of the way physical exercise impacts on health and develop novel approaches based on that knowledge?
  • How can we identify the road-blocks to healthy choices, and develop methodologies to overcome them?

Positioning Sydney to deliver

With a strong focus on enabling sciences, clinical research, public health and social policy research, the new centre will leverage our significant existing research strengths and links.

To deliver the breakthroughs we are aiming for, we are developing a new approach to research to ensure more effective engagement across many areas of the University – in particular more focused work across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The centre will also promote strategic engagement outside the University and identify areas for future growth.

Our current strengths include:

  • concentrated expertise in clinical and translational research in Australia and the region through the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, the George Institute and the Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise
  • existing relationships and partnerships on obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease research with, for example, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Westmead Hospital, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the Centenary Institute, the Heart Research Institute and the Bosch Institute
  • leading research and education programs in cardiovascular diseases and metabolism, including population health, clinical trials, vascular biology, cardiovascular physiology
  • expertise in the enabling sciences of chemistry, physics and mathematics
  • disciplinary depth covering psychology, cell biology, muscle physiology, health services systems, sociology, agriculture, medicinal chemistry, built environment, food systems, transport systems, nutrition, law, government and policy, dental health and complex systems analysis
  • the leading position in Australia in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease research, as assessed by numbers of publications and impact.