Austin Health

About Us

Who are we and what do we do?

The Medical and Cognitive Research Unit (MCRU) is part of the Continuing Care Division (Aged Care) of Austin Health and is responsible for conducting numerous trials on behalf of drug companies to monitor patient progress with the aim of finding drugs that can assist with the management of patients with Dementia.

MCRU has a strong research focus that is recognised internationally, and has a close affiliation with sponsors and other research units.

MCRU comprises a team of full time and part time members of staff, consisting of:

·         10 Study Coordinators (including 8 research Nurses)

·         2 Clinical Research Administration workers

·         6 Clinical Research Fellow, Sub Investigators and Principal Investigators (Consultant Geriatricians)

·         4 Neuro-Cognitive Raters (Psychologists and Neuropsychologists)

The Atmosphere within MCRU is energetic, friendly and cohesive, with strong teamwork ethic amongst all members and regular meetings with Investigators to discuss study management issues.

Melbourne researchers in general and the MCRU in particular have established a strong reputation and expertise in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. The Medical and Cognitive Research Unit (MCRU), located at the Austin Repatriation Hospital, is the largest dementia clinical trials site in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. Currently running 13 active trials with 6 other trials in the start-up phase. Has screened over 1000 participants over the last 12 months with 200 patients randomised. The Austin Health Medical and Cognitive Research Unit has a proud track record in dementia clinical trials, dating back to 1994. Over 150 separate trials of potential therapies targeting the underlying pathologies and the symptoms of cognitive disorders have been completed in MCRU.

Who do we work with?

The MCRU has existing relevant Collaborations with:

·         The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

·         CDAMS – Austin Health – Cognitive, Dementia and memory Service

·         ADNet (Australian Dementia Network)

·         AIBL – the Australia Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Study

·         Dementia Australia

What do we provide?

The MCRU has the physical capacity to conduct phase 1 to 4 stage trials with infusion, pathology, neuro-cognitive rating areas and imaging abilities (MRI, PET, CT, Bone Density) as required for all types of clinical trials. 

Contact us

If you are interested in participating in one of our clinical trials, please contact:

Phone: 03 9496 4235

mcru.recruitment@austin.org.au