The Wesley Research Institute

Annual Reports

The development of biodegradable surface coatings with incorporated antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infections after bone implants
Improved diagnosis of early breast cancer using novel image analysis of MRI
Established that inpatient aquatic physiotherapy, in addition to usual ward physiotherapy, has a beneficial effect on regaining muscle strength and helps decrease length of hospital stay after joint replacement surgery
The development of a new inventory that distinguishes which obese patients are likely to benefit from lap band surgery and those who are not
A new treatment regime for patients with an overactive bladder has been successfully tested in clinical trials and is now available on the Australian market
A new medication for patients with Type 2 diabetes has been found in a clinical trial to meet or exceed the high bar for efficacy and tolerability
The Institute won a competitive grant for $10 million from the Queensland State Government in August 2006 to construct a new state-of-the-art Health and Medical Research Centre
The Tissue Bank and new Clinical Trials Centre were opened by the former Premier of Queensland, Mr Peter Beattie, on 6 March 2007
First collection for The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank on 29 March 2007

Identified strategies to prevent deaths from fat embolisation during orthopaedic surgery
Developed internationally-adopted best practice guidelines for nutrition intervention for cancer patients
Established a safe and effective alternative to surgery for treating uterine fibroids
Developed novel digital technology using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that will allow doctors to better assess and treat patients with malignant brain tumours
Developed unique computer image analysis tools to improve the sensitivity and specificity of breast MRI
Established MRI as a rapid, safe and quantitative assessment of fatty liver (hepatic steatosis)
Construction commenced on The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank and Clinical Trials Centre

The Atlantic Philanthropies granted $10 million to the Institute $1.42 million grant received from the Smart State Research Facilities Fund to develop a world-class Tissue Bank
Two past and present Board Members were appointed with a Member of the Order of Australia
Dr Judy Bauer was appointed a Queensland Clinical Research Fellowship as part of the Smart State Health and Medical Research Fund
The Australian Academy of Sciences invited the Institute’s Director to help improve science education in Australia and throughout the world