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Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) clinical trials
Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) is internationally recognised for delivering world-class clinical trials and research that has enhanced treatment options for people living with severe mental illness.
Why are clinical trials so important?
We need clinical trials to prove that a new medication, device or treatment is safe and effective for people.
Without clinical trials, new treatments and medicines cannot be approved for use in Australia.
About us
Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) has been conducting research and clinical trials in mental health illnesses at The Alfred for almost 20 years.
MAPrc is a joint academic and research centre of Alfred Health and Monash University. MAPrc was established in 2002 by its current director, Prof Jayashri Kulkarni.
Our large multidisciplinary team includes:
- Psychiatrists
- Doctors
- Psychologists
- Nurses
- Clinical trial coordinators
- Research support staff
We also have a large number of post-graduate students and coordinate medical student teaching in psychiatry at The Alfred and other hospitals across Melbourne.
Find out more about our current research projects on the MAPrc website.
Our vision
- Our mission is to develop new treatments, new understanding and new services for serious mental illnesses
- We aim to improve the functioning and quality of life of people living with serious mental illnesses
- We do this by conducting world-class psychiatric clinical trials with respect, equality and understanding
- Our motto is “We mend minds”
Our focus
We conduct clinical trials of new treatments, including medications and hormone based therapies, with a strong focus on women living with severe mental illnesses such as:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Complex trauma disorder
- Major depression
- Major anxiety disorders
Our achievements
- Published over 500 papers and articles in high impact international journals and have reputation for innovation and translation, pioneering new and novel treatments for people suffering from mental illness
- Use of oestrogen and other hormonal based therapies to improve symptoms, functioning and cognition in women schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders
- Played a major role in the development and enhancement of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-drug, non-invasive treatment technique now approved as a treatment for treatment resistant major depression
- Development of vestibular biomarkers as a diagnostic tool to confirm and differentiate diagnosis of mental illness such as bipolar affective disorder and major depression (winner of the 2010 ABC New Inventors Program)
Our team
The MAPrc team are leaders in their fields, with decades of Australian and international experience.
Prof Jayashri Kulkarni
Prof Kulkarni is the Director of MAPrc and Head of Department of Psychiatry, Monash University (CCS).
A/Prof Caroline Gurvich
A/Prof Caroline Gurvich is the Deputy Director, MAPrc - Women's Mental Health.
Dr Leonard Chen
Dr Leo Chen is the Director of Psychiatry Training at Alfred Health and Head of Psychopharmacology at MAPrc.
Anthony de Castella
Anthony de Castella is the Research Manager for MAPrc.
Our collaborative partnerships
MAPrc has strong collaborative partnerships nationally and internationally, including:
- Monash University
- Epworth HealthCare
- Cabrini Health Australia
- Peninsula Health
- Deakin University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- International Association or Women’s Mental Health
- Women’s Mental Health Network Victoria
- One in Five
- SANE Australia
- MIND Australia
- Jean Hailes
- Consumer and carer groups
- Mental health advocacy organisations
- Biotechnology companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Individual researchers working in the field of mental health research around Australia and the world
Are you interested in our clinical trials?
ClinTrial Refer is a quick way to see all of our open trials, in one place. It’s the easy way to find a trial that may be right for you or your patient.
Latest news
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