Events

Spark of Genius 2011



The Institute’s signature gala black tie event, ‘Spark of Genius’ was held on 9 September at Sydney Town Hall to support the Schizophrenia Research Laboratory*.

Master of Ceremonies Gretel Killeen was thrilled to see so many people coming together in support of the illness, “With some contributing their minds, some contributing their dollars and some contributing their time,” she said.

Each of the 40 tables of guests were hosted by a Genius, all leaders in their fields ranging from the Arts, Media, Sports, Politics, Entertainment, Corporate and Academia.

Journalist Kerry O’Brien, actors Robyn Nevin and Barry Otto, author Thomas Keneally, retired High Court Judge The Hon. Michael Kirby, the guys from The Chaser, writer Anne Deveson, and NRL legend Nathan Hindmarsh were just some of the Genii at the event.

Click Here to see all the Genii that supported Spark of Genius.

The Institute thanks all of our Genii, our Principal Supporter Macquarie Group Foundation and major sponsors, The Ainsworth Family, Brookfield Multiplex, City of Sydney, Etihad, KPMG, Mulyan Wines, the Northside Group – Ramsay Health Care and Schweizer Kobras.

Thanks to the event supporters, donors and everyone that joined us on the night for an evening of fun and fundraising.

*The Schizophrenia Research Laboratory is a joint initiative of the Schizophrenia Research Institute, University of NSW, Neuroscience Research Australia, and the Macquarie Group Foundation. It is supported by NSW Health.

The Cause
In 2011 we dedicated the Spark of Genius event to the Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, headed by Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert, the Macquarie Group Foundation Chair of Schizophrenia Research.

Prof. Shannon Weickert (of ABC Australian Story fame) is driven by her own experience of growing up with a twin brother who developed schizophrenia. She is one of a handful of Neurodevelopmental biologists in the world who specialise in schizophrenia research. Her team of researchers have had many successes, most notably the commencement of the first clinical drug trial for the Schizophrenia Research Institute.

Using an existing hormone modulator, the trial aims to improve cognitive and memory function for people with schizophrenia, opening a possibility of further education and extended employment.

Principal Supporter





Government Supporter





Major Sponsors

The Ainsworth Family



















Event Supporters

Back Light Productions

 

Appointment to International Forum

The Institute’s Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert has been announced as the first Australian woman to be appointed to the Scientific Advisory Board of the international online Schizophrenia Research Forum.