World expert on low birth weights delivers lecture

Tuesday 23 August 2005

"Low birth weights in babies can lead to a number of diseases in adulthood, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes," says Professor David Barker, from the University of Southampton in the UK.

Professor Barker says chronic disease in later life originates through under nutrition in the womb, and has important implications for public health.

As one of the world's leading experts in preventative medicine, Professor Barker will deliver the John Irvine Hunter Memorial Lecture in Newcastle, on 2 September 2005, in memory of another pioneer in the medical field, Dr John Irvine Hunter.

Dr John Irvine Hunter died in 1925 at the age of 27 and was highly respected in international medical circles for his vision and inspiration. An anatomist, he was at the forefront of research and education, becoming Chair of Anatomy at the University of Sydney when he was only 25. Medical education today still draws from his work.

The lecture has been generously funded by his son, Dr Irvine Hunter, through a $100,000 donation to the University of Newcastle.

Dr Irvine Hunter said, "My father died before I was born, but from his friends and from what has been written about him, I know he was quite an extraordinary man."

"I thought the lectures were a suitable means of remembering him because they epitomise what he was striving for, excellence in education and research," said Dr Irvine Hunter.

The John Irvine Hunter Memorial Lecture will be held on Friday 2 September, 2005 at the Crowne Plaza, Newcastle, starting at 6pm. All are welcome. Please RSVP to Gina Caddies on (02) 4921 6378 or email Gina.Caddies@newcastle.edu.au

For media enquiries contact Samantha Brookes, Faculty of Health, on (02) 4921 5678.

Editors Note: Due to time constraints Professor David Barker will only be available for media enquiries from 4.45pm prior to his lecture.