Menzies collection introduction
It is an honour to introduce this collection of articles showcasing the remarkable work of Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) over the past 40 years. Founded in Darwin in 1985, Menzies has been at the forefront of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research in the Northern Territory and across Australia since its establishment. As the founding director, Prof John Mathews AM noted when Menzies first opened its doors, “(Menzies contributes) to the debate on Aboriginal Health by helping fill gaps in understanding, communication and implementation. It has attracted expert staff to the Northern Territory, driven research to identify areas of unmet need, tested innovative health interventions, and been an evaluator, critic and advocate of Aboriginal health policy.”
This collection of 10 key publications demonstrates Menzies’ deep connection to and respect for the communities with whom they work as well as a commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in the region through genuine partnerships and excellence in community-centred research, translation and education. Each of these articles highlights how meaningful research and collaborations can create positive impact and change – to policy, to clinical guidelines and to health outcomes.
The strength and quality of Menzies’ research is reflected in its continued success, including the consistent receipt of competitive grants and accolades. This collection, spanning the four decades of Menzies’ work, features four articles that received the MJA Award for Best Original Clinical Research in their respective years of publication. The selection highlights Menzies’ leadership in tackling the rising rates of diabetes in young First Nations Australians and its contributions to the prevention and management of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and otitis media. It also sheds light on systemic disparities experienced by First Nations Australians in the health system and the serious consequences of miscommunication in their health care.
This collection illustrates the evolution of Menzies’ work over the last 40 years. While its research initially focused on the Northern Territory, Menzies’ impact now extends far beyond. I am proud that the NHMRC has supported many researchers involved in the research showcased in this collection, which has positively shaped and strengthened First Nations research in Australia. Through expanding research, strengthened partnerships, and a broader scope, Menzies now addresses critical health issues across Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
I would like to congratulate Menzies on its 40 years of outstanding research and impact. As we celebrate this achievement, we can be certain that this commitment to shaping a healthier, more equitable future will continue.
Professor Steve Wesselingh
CEO
National Health and Medical Research Council