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PHI Foundation launches Discovery Dinner Series
Posted 7 September 2011
Above: Barrie Cassidy, Carolyn Allan and Tim Matthieson at the Discovery Dinner.
Men’s health was put under the microscope when the Prince Henry’s Institute Foundation launched the Institute’s Discovery Dinner Series, on Thursday 25 August.
Sponsored by Tata Consultancy Services Australia and New Zealand, the series will see PHI host three corporate engagement dinners to raise the Institute’s profile and raise awareness of its research excellence in the fields of reproductive health and endocrinology.
“The Discovery Dinner series represents a significant opportunity for the Institute to engage with corporate audiences, who we have not been able to reach in the past. We will be using these dinners to raise our profile and increase our support base by show casing the PHI’s research excellence and highlighting the clinical benefits of medical research.” PHI Director, Professor Gillespie said.
Over 50 corporate delegates, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Monash and executives from companies such as NAB, Origin Energy, ANZ and ABC Commercial, joined the Foundation to launch the series with a men’s health themed dinner in the gallery setting of Morgans at 401.
Guests enjoyed a three course meal while hearing from a distinguished panel of speakers including, PHI Clinical Research Fellow, Dr Carolyn Allan and special guest speakers Men’s Health Ambassador, Tim Mathieson and ABC journalist, Barrie Cassidy.
Dr Carolyn Allan, who is also a practicing Endocrinologist, spoke about the role of hormones in men’s health, in particular the link between decreased levels of testosterone and obesity in aging males. She also discussed the translational relationship between her research and clinical work.
Switching the focus to the role of advocacy, ABC Journalist Barrie Cassidy interviewed Tim Mathieson, the partner of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in a question and answer session that proved a highlight on the night. Tim spoke of his appointment as a Men’s Health Ambassador in 2008, as well as his passion for men’s health advocacy and his role as Patron of Men’s sheds. He also entertained guests speaking openly about the challenges of life as Australia’s ‘first bloke’.
Prince Henry’s Institute Director, Professor Matthew Gillespie was thrilled to have Barrie Cassidy and Tim Mathieson at the launch of the series, which will continue next year with two dinners planned for 2012.
“The Discovery dinners are designed to raise our corporate and public profile by show casing PHI and the benefits of medical research. These events are an important engagement opportunity for PHI and we were honoured to have Tim Mathieson and Barrie Cassidy on board to launch the series.” He said.
Prince Henry’s Institute is Australia’s leading centre for research in the areas of reproductive health and endocrinology. PHI is committed to improving quality of life and patient care through the investigation of hormones in the fields of reproductive health, cancer, obesity, bone health and cardiovascular disease.