Scientists and clinicians from around Australia and the globe gathered in Adelaide last month to share their knowledge about the role of the gut in maintaining good health.

As part of a national Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) conference which attracted about 800 delegates, the Preventative Health Flagship hosted a series of sessions aimed at investigating digestive health and disease.

Two international experts, Dr Balakrishnan S. Ramakrishna from Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, and Dr Denise Kelly from the Rowett Research Institute in the United Kingdom, presented to the CSIRO sessions on Thursday October 12.

Both joined a panel of key clinicians and researchers on Friday October 13 for a think tank to investigate where targeted research can make an impact in the treatment of colonic disorders.

The forum was facilitated by Preventative Health Flagship Director Dr Richard Head and Professor Graeme Young, Professor of Gastroenterology and Academic Head of Gastrointestinal Services, Flinders Medical Centre.

"Investigating the key gastroenterological challenges which can be tackled through scientific innovation was our key focus and we attracted excellent interest from delegates," Dr Head said.

"Our involvement in the conference was a key part of our collaborative efforts with clinicians in the health sector as we work toward our goal of improved health and wellbeing of Australians."

CSIRO contributors to the sessions included Dr Leah Cosgrove, Larry Lapointe, Livestock Industries chief Dr Chris McSweeney, Dr Mark Morrison (see separate story), Dr David Topping and Dr Richard Le Leu, from Flinders Medical Centre, who is on secondment from CSIRO.

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The Preventative Health Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.

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