Clinical Translation and Engagement Platform

We undertake genomic research with an emphasis on translational research to improve clinical outcomes for patients. Our research provides evidence and influences clinical genomic practice, clinical services and policy. Our projects provide tools, guidance and expertise to researchers to support clinical research in genomics and to increase research impact and engagement.  

DNA screen

DNA Screen, led by Monash University, is a world first population-based pilot study offering 10,000 18 to 40-year-olds across Australia a free DNA test to look for genetic variants that increase the risk of cancers and heart disease that can be prevented or treated early.

Our education team has contributed to recruiting participants to DNA Screen. In addition, through the My Research Results service our genetic counsellors are returning research results, providing information and support to DNA Screen participants. We also lead the psychosocial research study for DNA Screen, understanding the personal and psychosocial impact of population DNA screening.

PRIMO

We are investigating the efficacy and feasibility of a personalised risk assessment for women at potentially high genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer, through offering a polygenic risk score. The PRIMO trial aims to provide the best quality evidence that it is feasible to use PRS information in clinical practice to improve women’s breast cancer risk management through a national randomised clinical trial.

Our education team has developed and hosts education resources to support health professionals who are providing a personalised risk assessment for women enrolled in PRIMO. We are also leading the psychosocial research for the PRIMO study, understanding how women experience and utilise personalised genetic information.

Intrepid Study

This study enables leading Australian researchers to undertake research in pre-existing research cohorts representing more than 200,000 Australians with the emphasis of translating genomic research findings enabling early detection or prevention of genetic disease, specifically breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.  

Through the My Research Results service our genetic counsellors are returning research results, providing information and support to research participants. We also lead the psychosocial research study for Intrepid, understanding the personal and psychosocial impact of returning unexpected research results. This includes examining the health economic benefits.

Research impact

The CT&E platform is leading a project to help Garvan researchers and teams to measure and demonstrate their research impact. Achieving research impact relies on teamwork, partnerships and connected actions, with researchers working together with a common purpose and vision. The project aligns with Garvan’s strategy and aims to provide evidence and help to recognise Garvan’s clinical, scientific, economic and social impact as a world-class Medical Research Institute.

Community and consumer involvement

Consumers and communities are important stakeholders in Garvan’s strategy. Meaningful consumer and community involvement in research is an increasingly essential component of the planning and conduct of research.

The CT&E team is gathering data and identifying practical approaches to enable sustainable consumer and community involvement across Garvan and ensure that research results are translated effectively into improvements in services and practices.

Genomics education

The CT&E team has contributed to reducing the gap between research and social impact by studying methods and strategies to enable genomic information to be translated into routine clinical practice for the benefit of patients. The materials are moving to new sites; if you are a teacher or health professional looking for access to these, please visit learn.garvan.org.au/dna-base or contact the team on kccgeducation@garvan.org.au.

Clinical research services

My Research Results is a national state-of-the-art service enabling researchers to return primary or secondary genomic information generated through research to participants and their families enabling early detection or prevention of genetic conditions.