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Clinical research facility

Supporting the translation of scientific advances into clinical practice

Located on Level 4 of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) provides dedicated research space, expertise and equipment to support a wide range of clinical research activities and detailed metabolic research testing.

Our facility provides the resources to conduct investigator-initiated interventional and non-interventional clinical studies for Garvan researchers. We also provide facilities for sponsored research trials enabling patient access to new treatments.

As well as research activities, we provide a venepuncture service for all Garvan research groups, as well as Institute First Aid services for work-related injuries or illness.

The Clinical Research Facility is supported by St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney the UNSW Research Infrastructure Scheme.

We provide researchers with a range of services, procedures and dedicated equipment, as well as access to other service providers.

Facility services

  • Four patient beds
  • Examination room
  • Venepuncture room
  • Treatment room
  • Specimen processing room

Dedicated research equipment

  • BodPod GS-X Body Composition Assessment (COSMED)
  • Q-NRG Indirect Calorimeter (COSMED)
  • SphygmoCor Pulse Wave Analysis and Pulse Wave Velocity (ATCOR Medical)
  • Body Impedance Analyser (Tanita, Body Composition Analyser)
  • Syringe pumps and volumetric infusion devices
  • 2 centrifuges (4°C)
  • 2 biosafety cabinets
  • Temperature monitored freezers: -20°C
  • Temperature monitored refrigerators

Study specific procedures and expertise

  • Hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic clamps
  • Glucose challenge
  • Meal challenge
  • Indirect calorimetry
  • Muscle and fat biopsies
  • Arterial stiffness measurement
  • Heart rate variability measurement
  • Body composition assessment
  • Collection, processing, storing and transporting of biological samples

The Clinical Research Facility can arrange or access other research service providers:

  • Pharmacy services through St Vincent’s Hospital
  • Laboratory testing through commercial pathology
  • MRI/CT or Bone Densitometry through St Vincent’s Hospital

Leaders

Team members

The CRF Head is Professor Jerry Greenfield, a consultant endocrinologist and Garvan researcher. Associate Professor Dorit Samocha-Bonet, a dietitian and Garvan researcher is the Scientific Lead of the Facility.

Members of St Vincent's Hospital's Department of Endocrinology undertake research studies in the CRF.

Associate Professor Dorit Samocha-Bonet, Group Leader of the Clinical Insulin Resistance Group, and Associate Professor Ann McCormack from the Clinical Pillar use the CRF for research studies.

Krisztina Toth, a Registered Nurse, provides the day-to-day management of the facility and nursing staff.

  • Renee Richens is a Registered Nurse and clinical research coordinator.
  • Jennifer Evans is a Registered Nurse and clinical research coordinator.
  • Zehra Ipek Uluturk is a Research Dietitian.
  • Sienna Walsh is a Clinical Research Assistant.
  • Tanya Thompson is a Research Assistant.
  • Endocrinologists Dr Ruth Frampton, Dr Joel Lasschuit, Dr Tamara Milder, Dr Shivani Patel, Dr Lisa Raven and Dr Jennifer Snaith are PhD candidates.

To discuss how our services can support your research activities, please contact us

Clinical Research Facility

Email

crf@garvan.org.au