Swedish Addition to Local Team

May 27th, 2009 - Media Statement

A Swedish university student completing her Master's degree within a Perth medical research laboratory has praised the teaching and research facilities as she wraps up her five month placement.

Since January, Woodvale resident Hanna Skarstrand has taken up residence within the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) Centre for Diabetes Research investigating the genetics of type 1 diabetes.

Ms Skarstrand said she had enjoyed the scientific environment provided in Western Australia and had been given a great opportunity to complete her Master's thesis on type 1 diabetes at WAIMR.

"I chose WA and WAIMR as a base for my research because it has great facilities, and it's been a fantastic experience to live here while completing my studies," she said.

"During my five months in the WAIMR laboratory I've been investigating the development of type 1 diabetes in 20 to 30 specific genes, as well as analysing the way the disease is expressed within certain tissues and cells."

Ms Skarstrand has been mentored by WAIMR's Dr Lois Balmer and will return home to Sweden and Linköping University at the end of May.

"The medical research team at WAIMR is world-class; I'm very privileged to have been given this opportunity and look forward to working towards a successful career as a research scientist," Ms Skarstrand said.

"It has been fantastic living the Aussie way of life with the beach, sun and the sand and I have made so many new friends who I look forward to keeping as friends for a long time."

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said collaboration with international universities and students was a top priority and Ms Skarstrand's appointment was a great example of its benefits.

"In return for her efforts and contribution to our research, we hope we have been able to help Hanna expand her practical experience and give her a great start for her career as a medical researcher," he said.

For more information please contact:
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0411 404 415
Office: (08) 9388 9280