The Australian Society for Medical Research
ASMR MEDICAL RESEARCH WEEK® JUNE 1 – 8 2013
MEDIA ALERT - EMBARGOED UNTIL 2:30pm, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5, 2013
New Frontiers of Health and Medical Research
Emeritus Professor Anna Wirz-Justice
ASMR Medallist 2013
Anna Wirz-Justice is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatric Neurobiology at the University of Basel Medical School, Switzerland. Anna’s work has transformed the way we understand circadian rhythms, sleep and depression, and how light/dark cycles can be used to improve human health and productivity.
Anna introduced light therapy for winter depression to Europe, when the idea was considered “a weird alternative from California”, building a research career on the use of light for the treatment of a wide range mood and sleep disorders.
Prof Wirz-Justice embodies trans-disciplinary research in an even wider sense beyond medical applications. Her research has led to renowned architects to approach her for developing a more “physiological architecture”, such as Philippe Rahm who created “melatonin rooms” to aid relaxation as part of his building designs.
Speaking at the National Press Club today, Professor Wirz-Justice’s talk will cover:
· A research journey from New Zealand to Switzerland
· Broad and innovative collaborations from mathematicians to psychiatrists and even architects
· Her ground breaking discoveries in circadian rhythms, sleep and depression, and how light/dark cycles can be used to improve human health and productivity
News Editors/Chiefs of Staff, please note:
WHAT: National Press Club Address
WHO: 2013 ASMR Medallist, Prof Anna Wirz-Justice
WHEN: 2.30pm, Wednesday 5th June 2013
WHERE: 16 National Court, Barton, Canberra
Media contacts: Dr Roger Yazbeck 0438650722 or Catherine West 0415928211
Media resource material available from: http://www.asmr.org.au/MRWMedia.html
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Email: , Website: www.asmr.org.au Snr Executive Officer: Catherine West