Asbestos Diseases Research Institute named WHO Collaborating Centre

In a world first, the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) based in Concord, Sydney has been designated by the World Health Organisation as a Collaborating Centre for the Elimination of Asbestos Related Diseases. 

This recognition by the WHO confirms ADRI as a global leader in asbestos-related diseases and asbestos mitigation.

The ADRI team of researchers, scientists, public health experts and lung nurses have been pro-actively training and teaching health professionals through workshops in developing countries aimed to detect, diagnose and treat asbestos-related diseases since 2017. The Institute also undergos research in Australia into treatments into asbestos-related diseases, in the quest to find a cure. 

The Collaborating Centre Designation was formally announced at a special ceremony at ADRI on Tuesday, 23 February 2021, in the presence of Her Excellency, Margaret Beazley QC, Governor of NSW. 

Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency CEO Justine Ross and other staff were present to show their support to the work.

While many think of asbestos use as part of Australia's history, some 4,000 Australians lose their lives to incurable asbestos–related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis each year.

Of these, around 700 people die annually from the agressive and incurable cancer mesothelioma. The social and economic impacts to carers, families and the community are devastating.

The specialist research and science team at ADRI examine the interaction between genetics and environmental factors to help explain how diseases like mesothelioma occur and progress; they test new ways to deliver cancer treatments to patients; and, they look at which treatments may have success in limiting tumour growth.

More information on ADRI's work can be found on their website.