NHIRI highlighted their work on dietary interventions, food policy, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) School of Medical and Health Sciences has proudly hosted the newly appointed Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Sharath Sriram.
Led by Executive Dean Professor Moira Sim, the visit offered valuable insights into the transformative research and innovation underway across ECU's key health science institutes and centres.
Professor Sriram was introduced to leading researchers and toured three of the University's flagship research institutes and centres: the Nutrition Health Innovation Research Institute, the Exercise Medicine Research Institute and the Centre for Precision Health (CPH).
Professor Sim said the visit was an important opportunity to showcase ECU's multidisciplinary approach to solving some of Western Australia's most pressing health challenges.
"This visit was a fantastic opportunity to present our innovative research and also demonstrate how our teams are translating scientific evidence into real-world impact across public health, clinical practice, and chronic disease prevention," Professor Sim said.
At the Nutrition Health Innovation Research Institute, Dr Liezhou Zhong and his team highlighted their work on dietary interventions, food policy, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Dr Zhong's team team shared insights into innovative trials that integrate nutritional science with community outreach and public health strategy.
At the Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Professor Daniel Galvão showcased how ECU is pioneering exercise as medicine, particularly in the treatment of cancer, metabolic conditions, and healthy ageing. The visit included demonstrations of lab-based assessments and a tour of the Vario Health Clinic, which offers specialist consultations with highly qualified, accredited allied health professionals across services such as clinical exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and dietetics.
Professor Daniel Galvão showcased how ECU is pioneering exercise as medicine.
At CPH, Professor Sriram heard about ECU's cutting-edge research into genomics, personalised medicine, and cancer diagnostics. As a leading biomedical research centre, CPH is driving cutting-edge multidisciplinary research to develop and apply precision health strategies that address key health priorities and optimise quality of life.
By focusing on biomarker discovery, disease mechanisms, and health translation - and leveraging expertise in genomics, proteomics, neurophysiology, and health implementation - researchers are working to improve patient outcomes through a precision health model.
Professor Sharath Sriram was introduced to leading researchers and toured three of the University's flagship research institutes and centres.
Professor Sriram, a fellow of Engineers Australia, is a distinguished science and research leader, renowned for creating and delivering breakthrough technologies in the fields of nanoelectronics, sensors, and medical technologies.
In addition to his technical and research contributions, Professor Sriram is an active contributor to science policy, with a particular focus on fostering innovation and developing long-term strategies. He is dedicated to supporting early- and mid-career researchers and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.
Professor Sim said the visit reinforces ECU's role as a leading contributor to health innovation in the state.
"We're proud to be part of the solution to Western Australia's health challenges, and today's visit reaffirmed the importance of strong partnerships between universities, government, and industry in achieving that goal," she said.
