Microbiome theme for AGW 2019

Research

By Mardi Chapman

29 Aug 2019

Delegates at Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) 2019 will be stargazing with microscopes rather than telescopes at the microbiome-themed meeting The Universe Within.

The opening plenary will feature human microbiome expert Professor Martin Blaser delivering the 2019 Bushell Lecture: Our Changing Microbiome and Epidemic Diseases. (Sun, 10.45am)

Professor Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University in the US, will also speak on H. pylori later in the program in the Big Picture: Environment, Genetics and Microbiome session. (Mon, 4pm)

Professor Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello, Professor of Microbiome and Health also at Rutgers University will also speak on microbiota, genes and the environment in that session. (Mon, 4pm)

Professor Jane Andrews, chair of the AGW Scientific Program Committee told the limbic they were speakers who should be of high regard to everybody.

“These are two people who are extremely well published both academically and also through the media and medical journalism in the discussion between the interaction of our health and the microbiome and the environment.”

She said another highlight on the program was haematologist Professor John Rasko.

Professor Rasko, who delivered last years’ Boyer Lectures in Australia on gene and cell therapies, is speaking to the intriguing title of Blood & Guts: Never the Twain Shall Meet? (Mon, 4.20pm)

“Also on the program are our usual educational activities and sessions aimed at professional practice like the new colonoscopy clinical standards and how that gets implemented across hospitals and other health services,” she said.

The program will also incorporate the launch of the Australian Hepatocellular Carcinoma Consensus Statement. (Mon, 1.30pm)

“Likewise the HCC guidelines are very similar – how do we take what we know is best practice and implement that into practice and get engagement through the medical community.”

Other highlights on the three-day program include:

  • Women in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Breakfast (Sun, 7.30am)
  • A tour of BiomeBank – the national frozen stool bank (Sun, 12.30pm)
  • Young Investigator Awards showcasing emerging clinical and basic science researchers (Mon, 10.30am)
  • GESA AGM (Tues, 12.45pm)

Delegates will also celebrate GESA’s 60th Anniversary at the 60s themed Gala Dinner Dance on Monday evening, starting with pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm. There will also be an invitation only Past Presidents Dinner to recognise the Anniversary.

AGW 2019 will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 8 to 10 September.

Follow the limbic’s coverage on our website and on twitter @thelimbicgastro using the conference hashtag #agw2019

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