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In the next few years it is likely that large, well-organised groups
that bring together talent and expertise across a broad spectrum of neuroscience
technologies will make most major breakthroughs in neuroscience.
Until the formation of Australia's National Neuroscience Facility, under
the Commonwealth MNRF scheme, only a small number of centres in North
America and Europe could demonstrate such broad-spectrum expertise and,
in many of these centres, activities are relatively poorly coordinated.
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Our aim is to coordinate a national effort to
position Australia as a centre of neuroscience excellence, combining science,
technology, innovation, investment, creativity and an opportunity to advance
our understanding of the brain, in order to lessen the personal and societal
costs of neurological diseases and to contribute to the developing knowledge
economy.
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| Key economic outcomes that are already emerging from the implementation
of a coordinated national neuroscience initiative include: |
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Encouragement and facilitation of significant investment in
neuroscience from both public and private sectors on a national and international
level. |
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Establishment of leading-edge, multi-access platforms and a constant focus
on the development of new leading edge services and infrastructures. |
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Recruitment of new industry and investment. |
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Increased potential of directly contributing to growth in Australia's
small-to-medium enterprise sector through the encouragement of spin-off
and start-up companies. |
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Significant progress in neuroscience research, which in turn, will stimulate
growth in Australia's pharmaceutical industry. |
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Australia's emergence on the world stage as a centre of neuroscience excellence
and the potential to position Australia as a recognised centre for the manufacturing
and export of neuroscience products, on an international scale. |
The ultimate outcomes that will benefit public health and society, are: |
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Creation of health products and educational packages for healthy brain
development, optimal brain functioning during life and healthy ageing. |
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Public involvement in bringing benefits from biomedical research and development
to the general public. |
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Continual research focusing on the development of the best neuropharmaceuticals,
diagnostics and devices for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and/or
cure of neurological and psychiatric disorders, which in turn will lighten
the burden of brain and mind disorders on society. |
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Outcomes
of a Coordinated National Effort
