As a member of Neuroscience Australia, SANI aims to build partnerships with groups involved in a range of neuroscience activities, including antibody production for neuroscience, neurotrauma research, neuro-imaging and the human Brain Bank.
How we detect when our stomach is full
Stretching the stomach wall activates sensory neurones in the vagus nerve (left). The nerves responsible for detecting gastric distension, which play an important role in signalling when to stop eating, were recently identified for the first time. They make distinctive endings in ganglia in the muscular wall of the stomach (right, in red).
Source: Simon Brookes and colleagues, Flinders University.
SANI Activities
SANI, represented by Professor Robert Vink of Adelaide University, became the first non-Victorian member of Neurosciences Australia (NSA) in August 2004. NSA underwent substantial structural and governance changes to include representation from member organizations plus independent directors. NSA continues to administer the National Neuroscience Facility (NNF) and its eight technology platforms. Federal Government support for the platforms was completed in 2007 and the NSA are developing a strategic plan for future directions for NSA to facilitate a national collaborative approach to neuroscience research.
SANI and the Media
Several radio interviews have been given by members of SANI and they are also active participants in the Australian Science and Media Centre, established in 2006 by Premier Michael Rann. Professor Marcello Costa is a member of the Advisory Board.
"Spicy Food and Neuropharmacology", Professor Ian Gibbins, Flinders University, Adelaide Review, March 2005
As part of the Bragg initiative, original neuroscience articles were published in The Advertiser, February 2007
"All in the mind", Professor Ian Gibbins, Flinders University, Interview by Natasha Mitchell, Radio National Program, April 2008
SANI Activities - Advisory:
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SANI were involved in a meeting on Education and Neuroscience in South Australia, University of Adelaide, 28 July 2005. Organised by David O'Carroll (University of Adelaide) with the education group of SANI; Renate and Geoffrey Caine, Consultants for Learning to Learn, USA; Members of DECS, UniSA and University of Adelaide; A School Principal; Members of the Adelaide Thinker In Residence (ATIR) office and Professor Susan Greenfield.
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The Scientific Advisory Board proposed a link with the Physical and Neurological Council of South Australia, which represents the majority of SA patient groups with physical and neurological disorders. Members included Dr James Temlett (University of Adelaide), Dr Dominic Thyagarajan (Flinders University), Dr Simon Koblar (University of Adelaide), Professor Robert Rush (Flinders University) and Professor Marcello Costa (Flinders University), 2005.
- Professor Marcello Costa (co-chair, SANI) held discussions with the Minister for Education, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, regarding Neuroscience in education in their roles as 'Champions of the Bragg Initiative', 26 May 2006.
- SANI facilitated the establishment of a cooperative agreement with Monsignor Cappo, Head of the Social Inclusion Unit of the SA Government, to organise Forums and Round Tables for neuroscientists and policy makers in areas of social relevance (Bragg Inittative).
- SANI held meetings with Professor Fraser Mustard during his tenure as Adelaide Thinker in Residence, confirming the important and unique role of SANI in fostering research and education on child brain development (2007-2008).
- The Universities, SANI and the Mental Health Directorate held a Mental Health Day at Glenside Hospital in collaboration with the Drug and Alcohol Services of SA and the Social Inclusion Unit of the SA Government.