Functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion) is experienced by 1 in 10 Australians and is characterised by troublesome gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of pain in the upper part of the abdomen or an inability to finish a regular-sized meal.
There is as yet no cure for this condition and current treatments are generally not effective for the majority of people with functional dyspepsia.
Researchers at HMRI and The University of Newcastle are currently investigating potential causes of function dyspepsia, particularly the role that diet plays. Gluten (even if you don’t have coeliac disease) and FODMAPS (certain carbohydrates in your diet) may play a role. Finding out if certain foods are related may change the way that this disorder is currently treated.
Join us in-person at HMRI or online to hear about the work HMRI researchers are doing to help people who experience functional dyspepsia. We'll be joined by Accredited Registered Dietitian Dr Kerith Duncanson, PhD Candidate Jennifer Pryor, and postdoctoral digestive health researchers Dr Grace Burns and Dr Emily Hoedt.
When: Thursday 28th April
Time: 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Where: In-person in The Caves Theatre, HMRI. Register using the form below.
Meet our Presenters
Dr Kerith Duncanson is an Accredited Practising Dietitian by profession and works in roles as a Research Dietitian for the University of Newcastle and HMRI. Kerith is currently a Senior Research Fellow in Gastrointestinal Nutrition, focusing on understanding the relationship between food, gut health and gastrointestinal health and disorder. Dr Duncanson is also an Associate Investigator for the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded Centre of Research Excellence for Digestive Health.
Jennifer Pryor is a PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle, studying under the supervision of Professor Simon Keely, Dr. Kerith Duncanson, Dr. Emily Hoedt and Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley. Jennifer’s PhD project is investigating how diet, the microbiome and the immune system interact in a condition known as functional dyspepsia (FD). Jennifer completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science with distinction at UoN in 2019, during which she undertook a 6 month exchange to the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2020 Jennifer completed her research Honours under the guidance of Professor Simon Keely and Associate Professor Jay Horvat, where she investigated how modulation of the microbiota can impact allergic immune responses to peanut.
Dr Grace Burns is a postdoctoral researcher in Immunology and Microbiology, working in the Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health. Her research focuses examines the influence of circadian rhythms on immune and microbiome-related symptoms in gastrointestinal disease.
Dr Burns is interested in understanding how the immune system and microbiota interact to drive symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disorders such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr Emily Hoedt is a a microbiologist and postdoctoral researcher with the Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health, with expertise in microbiome/metagenome analysis and interpretation. Her research experience includes microbiome studies within gastroenterology, probiotic development and microbial/food bioreactors.