Prime Minister announces funding for Microbiome Research Centre

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced an additional $4 million towards vital research being done at the Microbiome Research Centre (MRC), located at St George Hospital. 

This follows last year’s initial $4 million given to the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) to complete the facility which is an Australian-first dedicated to studying gut bugs.

The latest announcement of additional funds will mean that current research will flourish, as scientists examine how the body’s microbiota has the potential to prevent and cure diseases.

Mr Morrison was joined at the MRC by Jacquie Stratford, Chief Executive Officer, SSMRF, Professor Emad El-Omar, Director MRC, David Coleman, Member for Banks, David Pearce, Acting Chief Executive, SESLHD, Michael Still, SESLHD Board Chair, Leisa Rathborne, General Manager, St George Hospital, Associate Professor Peter Gonski, Board member and guests. 

Mr Morrison said that growth of a medical precinct based in southern Sydney is attracting some of the leading scientists from around the country and will help to boost the local job market.

“The Microbiome Research Centre is getting recognised not just nationally, but internationally. The studies are being done with mothers and infants, and how we can make children more healthy is exciting. We need more scientists around the world saying that what is happening in Australia is innovative, visionary and specialised,” Mr Morrison said.

“I never cease to get excited about the science community and how passionate people are, whether they’re working behind the labs or running the local health district. They just need backers who believe in them.”

The MRC is due to open in February 2019.