GLS Event: Changing the Face of Chronic Disease

On Tuesday the 5th of June, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute held its Changing the Face of Chronic Disease event, as part of the UQ Global Leadership series.

Diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, infection and cancers - chronic diseases which have long been considered life-threatening or life-debilitating, are being broken down by our researchers to prevent disease, alleviate pain, improve health and extend life expectancies.

Leaders in their respective fields, UQDI Professors Ian Frazer, Matt Brown and Ranjeny Thomas each pleaded their individual cases for support regarding the need for continued research funding, outlining the breakthroughs and milestones achieved to date through financial, educational and philanthropic support.

Brisbane Barrister-at-Law, Dr Sarah Derrington, cross-examined each of the defendents, claiming they were responsible for promoting "devolution" and wasting valuable funds. Professor Alan Lawson acted as judge at the event, announcing the final verdict as decided by the jury (the audience), stating there was ample evidence provided in support of the defendants' case.

In this stimulating and witty debate, structured in the form of a court trial, we asked what advances have really been made, what is changing and why we should continue to support research into chronic disease.

Watch the Changing the Face of Chronic Disease mock court trial

For further information on this event or other UQDI events, please contact Caroline Davy: c.davy@uq.edu.au or phone (07) 3176 6623