Description
Professor Whiteford’s lecture will provide an overview of the mortality and disability caused by mental and neurological disorders around the world and an update from the new Global Burden of Disease Study now underway. It will then summarise the challenges facing policy makers in reducing the clinical, social and economic impact of these disorders and the implication for research arising from these challenges.
Speaker
Professor Harvey Whiteford trained in medicine, psychiatry and public health in Queensland and at Stanford University in the USA. On his return to Australia in 1986 he established what is now the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, one of Australia’s leading mental health research centres. Professor Whiteford has held senior clinical and administrative positions in Australia, including those of Director of Mental Health in the Queensland (1989 to 1996) and federal governments (1997 to 1999).
In 1999 he was appointed to the first mental health position at the World Bank in Washington DC where he worked to develop the Bank’s capacity to respond to the rising global burden of mental disorders. He continues to work with the Australian government and international agencies on the design, implementation and evaluation of mental health programs.
About Peter Goodenough Memorial Lecture
The Peter Goodenough Lecture is an annual lecture to honour the legacy of giving by Mr Peter Goodenough (1935 – 2004) and is supported by the Peter Goodenough bequest. It is to be given by a prominent speaker who will target the role and importance of philanthropy and science funding to biomedical research.
The bequest, which included funding for a research laboratory is a showcase example of how members of the community can make a powerful and lasting contribution to the future health of all Australians. Mr Goodenough resolved to ensure his personal wealth would be directed to fighting MND, even though he knew he would personally not benefit from the research.