A new institute based at Curtin University will be a hub for innovative research that, in partnership with communities, industry and government, will enable consumer-first solutions that promote health and wellbeing across a person’s lifespan.
Officially launched today, the Curtin enAble Institute is a new collaborative venture en-Abling people of all ages and abilities to live healthy and flourishing lives in their communities. It is aligned with the WA Sustainable Health Review’s eight enduring strategies and its aim to prioritise the delivery of patient-centred, high quality and financially sustainable health prevention, promotion and care across the State.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said she was delighted to welcome both State Health Minister, the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson and Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Federal Member for Swan to Curtin’s Bentley campus to mark the occasion.
“The Curtin enAble Institute is a true embodiment of Curtin’s values, because part of its core collaborative mission is to recognise the courage of those with healthcare needs, and treat them with respect and preserve their dignity as it searches for solutions that will improve their lives,” Professor Hayne said.
“From how the design of housing can facilitate better health and quality of life, to how technology can be harnessed to deliver health services and to enhance quality of life, the Institute will work across disciplines and agencies to make people’s lives happier and healthier throughout their lifespan.
“I am incredibly excited to see how this dedicated and passionate team can make a difference in the lives of many.”
Director of the Curtin enAble Institute Professor Bronwyn Myers said the Institute’s strong partnerships meant the translation of research into practice could be fast-tracked.
“Our research is for the community and with the community. Our focus on embedding consumers in research teams and researchers within health services and industry partners, means we can more quickly and easily create change and provide real benefits,” Professor Myers said.
“Partnering with key industry organisations such as the WA Country Health Service and University Departments of Rural Health highlights our ongoing commitment to service all patients, including those living regionally and remotely.”
Beginning after a $10 million Federal Government grant was secured in 2019 under the Community Health and Hospitals Program, to establish a Dementia Centre for Excellence, now the Curtin enAble Institute’s research program spans four pillars:
- Child and Family Health – Research endeavours to improve the physical and mental health of children and their families for a promising future. It focuses on the first 1000 days of life and how to pave a way for a healthy and happy future;
- Mental Health – Research will help identify the mental health priorities in WA and ensure everyone has a voice in that process, with a mission to help care providers understand how to keep people well and flourishing.
- Optimising Health & Wellbeing – Multidisciplinary and collaborative research to optimise health and wellbeing recognising that these are influenced by the physical, environmental, emotional and social experiences of our unique lives.
- Dementia and Ageing – Working with community, people living with dementia and those providing care to help them live their best lives. This research will help answer questions that the most affected by dementia and ageing feel are important.
More information on the Curtin enAble Institute can be found here.
