More than 1200 of the world’s experts on heart disease and atherosclerosis will converge in Sydney this week to discuss the latest research and clinical advances in the fight against one of the world’s biggest killers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner said scientists and researchers from 50 countries have travelled to Sydney to take part in the five-day International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, which starts on Sunday at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is the most common cause of heart disease, tragically claiming one Australian life every 23 minutes,” Mr Stoner said.
“Hardening of the arteries can occur anywhere in the body and also causes a variety of other medical conditions, such as kidney failure, high blood pressure or gangrene.
“Sydney and NSW are home to some of the world’s leading scientific and medical research institutes and I am proud Sydney was chosen as host city for the triennial event.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our research community and to making Sydney a world-class destination for business events.
“That is why NSW Trade & Investment has worked in partnership with Business Events Sydney to help bring the symposium to Sydney.
“International conferences such as these provide a significant injection to the NSW economy, and the International Symposium on Atherosclerosis is expected to deliver over $7.5 million in economic impact,” Mr Stoner said.
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) Chief Executive Officer Lyn Lewis Smith said, “In 2012 alone, Sydney will host 24 medical and scientific meetings expected to attract 18,900 delegates, generating 91,200 delegate days and an estimated $86 million in economic impact.
“March is a bumper month in Sydney with events secured by BESydney set to generate $40 million in economic impact for NSW, but beyond this, there will be far reaching legacies for our city’s businesses, professionals, education sector and community.”
“BESydney started working with the Australian Atherosclerosis Society and the Heart Research Institute in 1994 to secure this event for Sydney. It was a long road, and now we look forward to the innovation and opportunities that this Symposium will generate for the future,” she said.Mr Stoner added that several NSW researchers will be presenting at the symposium on topics including childhood obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, and how cells balance their cholesterol levels.
“In addition to the fiscal benefits, this is a fantastic opportunity to promote the cutting-edge research being done across our State and to further develop our valuable international research partnerships,” Mr Stoner said.
“NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Mary O’Kane will be championing NSW research efforts during the symposium and will host a networking event for up and coming researchers.”
For more information about the Symposium visit www.isa2012.com
