Scientific minds coming together

Research Updates

At the recent ANZMS and AVBS Conference 2017, a joint meeting of the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Vascular Biology Society (AVBS) and the 19th Australia and New Zealand Microcirculation Society (ANZMS) Meeting, the best scientific minds came together to share and discuss the latest research in the field.

HRI researchers Dr Amelia Tomkins (Thrombosis) and Bradley Tucker (Cell Therapeutics) presented their Groups’ latest works, while some sessions were chaired by Associate Professor Simone Schoenwaelder (Thrombosis) and Dr Mary Kavurma (Group Leader, Vascular Complications).

Dr Tomkins presented the Thrombosis Group’s development of a new stroke model for the purposes of better testing novel stroke therapies. This model has an advantage over current models as it enables direct assessment of the therapeutic-induced reopening of a blocked artery that causes stroke. In combination, this enables the assessment of the effect of blood flow reduction in the brain and the final stroke outcomes of brain injury and functional recovery. The researchers believe this model will provide a better understanding of the efficacy of new therapies for stroke.

According to Dr Tomkins, “A great mix of both senior and early career researchers attended the conference, all presenting high quality research.”

“It was also a great opportunity to talk with colleagues in the field and perhaps pave the way for future collaborations,” she says.

Mr Tucker presented results regarding the role of colchicine in modulating vascular inflammation in the setting of coronary heart disease. The research suggests the anti-inflammatory effects of colchicine may be partially due to reduced leukocyte infiltration.

“The conference was very well organised and presented a wonderful opportunity to network with like-minded scientists,” Mr Tucker says.

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