Uniquely positioned to address the changing health landscape
Australia faces an ageing population and rapidly growing rates of chronic disease that threaten to significantly impair quality of life for millions of Australians. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity are the biggest health challenges facing our society today. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia while type 2 diabetes is projected to become the leading cause of disease burden for men and the second leading cause for women by 2023, mainly due to the expected growth in the prevalence of obesity.
The Baker Institute is well positioned to address these challenges, with multidisciplinary teams comprising medical specialists, scientists and public health experts all focused on translating laboratory findings into new and personalised approaches to prevention, treatment and care.
Our research makes a difference by:
- Identifying the genetic and environmental determinants of disease.
- Contributing to prevention strategies by more accurately assessing and mitigating an individual's risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Developing effective treatments for chronic disease risk factors and complications, such as high blood pressure, kidney failure and stroke.
- Developing programs to manage disease, particularly in high-risk groups such as remote, rural and Indigenous communities.
- Informing policy, developing best-practice treatment guidelines and facilitating education programs.
- Translating our research through commercialisation of scientific discoveries, including the development of new drugs and devices.
- Providing credible and informed health information to the community.
- Forming partnerships with government and industry, and engaging in advocacy.