Barbara Gross Research Unit (BGRU)
The BGRU is located in the Royal Hospital for Women and is an internationally renowned research unit in women's health, particularly in clinical trials. It is associated with the Natural Therapies Unit and the Sydney Menopause Centre.
“The Barbara Gross Research Unit aims to provide excellence in research and to be at the forefront of advances in human health”
The BGRU was formally established in 1998 in honour of our friend and colleague,
Dr Barbara Gross. However the Unit had its origins when Dr Barry Wren established the Sydney Menopause Centre in 1978. Under his direction the Sydney Menopause Centre established an international reputation for its clinical service and its high quality research into women’s health.
Following Dr Wren’s retirement, Associate Professor John Eden took over the Directorship of the Sydney Menopause Centre and established the BGRU. Over the last 20 years the unit has developed a strong record in women’s health and has expanded its interest particularly into osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, lipid lowering and even genitor-urinary problems in both men and women.
With the establishment of the Natural Therapies Unit the BGRU now has very broad research interests. Over the recent past the unit has been involved in pharmacological studies of novel types of Hormone Replacement Therapies. It has also been involved in international multi-centred randomised controlled trials of osteoporosis treatments. A number of herbal products have also been investigated in the unit including ginger for morning sickness, serenoa for prostate problems, shark cartilage for arthritis, and a number of trials of meditation (eg. for headaches and hot flushes).
Contact can be made through the Secretary on +62 (2) 9382 6621 or Associate Professor John Eden on +62 (2) 9382 6777 or j.eden@unsw.edu.au. Clinical trial research coordinators can be emailed at bgru@sesahs.nsw.gov.au.