LGH researchers in the spotlight

UTAS School of Health Science Senior Lecturer Darren Henstridge, with Professor Katie Flanagan, Dr Lauren Giles, Chris Hall and Professor Nicholas Shackel.

July 2023,

On July 4th, the School of Health Sciences from the University of Tasmania ran a research day at the new University library at Inveresk.

The theme of the day was looking ahead to the activation of the new campus with the School moving into “The Shed” building currently being constructed on Willis Street towards the end of 2024. 

As part of the day, Clifford Craig-supported researchers from the Launceston General Hospital were invited to showcase their research, to help foster research collaborations in Northern Tasmania.

Presenters included Gastroenterologist Professor Nicholas Shackel, Infectious Diseases Specialist Professor Katie Flanagan, Physiotherapist Chris Hall and Neurologist Dr Lauren Giles.

The showcase formed part of the School’s annual retreat, which provides an opportunity for staff and students in Health Sciences across the University to learn more about colleagues’ research and expertise and strengthen existing collaborations while fostering new research ideas.

All four speakers have or are leading research projects supported by the Clifford Craig Foundation.

Professor Flanagan shared updates on a number of vaccine trials she is currently coordinating.

This includes a world-first study looking into the impact of DTP and influenza vaccines on the immune systems of elderly people, and a multi-centre trial evaluating the best COVID-19 booster strategies in Australia.

Chris Hall shared his journey into medical research.

A recipient of a 2023 medical research grant, Chris’ project is a pilot phase trial designed to test if a minimal inpatient physiotherapy program is safe and feasible to deliver, compared to an intensive physiotherapy program in hospital-admitted patients with COPD, admitted for an acute respiratory illness.

 You can learn more about our researchers here.