Research centres formalise collaboration

Research centres formalise collaboration

Two major research centres in Queensland and New South Wales have strengthened their collaboration in drug and alcohol research and education.

UQ's Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre (QADREC) has formalised its relationship with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at the University of New South Wales

The two groups, which have worked together on a number of research projects in the past few years, have become collaborating centres.

QADREC director Dr Ann Roche said the formal link marked the strength of the working relationship and prospects for future collaboration.

"This is an important milestone in QADREC's history since its inception in 1996 as a cooperative venture between the University of Queensland and Queensland Health," she said.

"QADREC is a key Centre in the University's Social and Preventive Medicine Department and it has made significant progress in education and related research in the alcohol and drug field.

"It established the first Addiction Studies courses offered at a university level in Queensland. It also provides teaching input to the Graduate Medical Course, teaching for other courses and subjects, training programs for groups across Queensland, offers a PhD program in the alcohol and drug area.

"Our research programs have recently included studies of school-based illicit drug intervention evaluations, an innovative strategy to enforce liquor licensing laws, the GP's role in home detoxification programs, professionals' understanding of binge drinking, and surveys of ecstasy users and alcohol injury.

"The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre is a major alcohol and drug research centre in Australia and it is also recognised internationally for its contribution to treatment research.

"Formalising our collaborating status will ensure provision of high quality research, policy advice, training and program evaluation, and the dissemination of information in the alcohol and field through joint projects."

Dr Roche said to mark the collaboration, the Centres had hosted a joint seminar on the topic of Drugs and Overdose.

Media: Further information: Dr Ann Roche, telephone 07 3365 5180, email: a.roche@spmed.uq.edu.au