Menzies School of Health Research | 40 Years of Research Impact
Sponsored by Menzies School of Health Research.
‘Temporal Currents’ brings to life ‘Knowledge meets Impact’ – Menzies’ tagline, and reflects Menzies’ history and growth as an organisation.
The artwork also highlights the impact of knowledge sharing with our community — a two-way conversation where knowledge flows into Menzies and back out into the community.
The artwork depicts a great river system with branching tributaries, symbolising the journey of Menzies through time. Within the flowing water, knowledge is gathered and carried forward by the currents. Each tributary represents the diverse paths of research projects Menzies has undertaken over the last 40 years, shaping the landscape, influencing its surroundings, yet always remaining part of the greater system.
Beyond a river, the imagery is reminiscent of neural pathways in the brain, the intricate mycelial networks within soil, or the deep-reaching roots of a plant. These living connections show how knowledge flows, grows, and intertwines, shaping Menzies’ story as it continues to unfold. As the river meanders across the canvas, it moves toward the future, carrying the past while embracing new discoveries.
Cover Art – Temporal Currents © Menzies School of Health Research (2025)
‘Temporal Currents’ created by Jayde Hopkins of Nawula Almaren
1992: Early contribution to research exploring the social and environmental determinants of First Nations health
1993: Early key paper from ABC study, longest prospective birth cohort study of First Nations health
2000: MJA Award for best original clinical research article (2000). Community-based chronic disease intervention program to prevent premature death and progression to dialysis
2002: Early example of rigorous research documenting systemic differences in hospital-based treatment for First Nations Australians
Sharing the true stories: improving communication between Aboriginal patients and healthcare workers
2002: MJA Award for best original clinical research article (2002). Illuminating miscommunication and its consequences in provision of care for First Nation Australians
2010: MJA Award for best original clinical research article (2010). Example of program of quality RCT research seeking to improve health outcomes for children with otitis media
2013: Public health nutrition program – documentation of expenditure on sugar sweetened drinks and contribution to dietary energy
2018: MJA Award for best original clinical research article (2018). Menzies focus on addressing shared burden of poverty-related health conditions with communities across Northern Australia and our region
2019: Collaborative leadership in national efforts to address rapid increase in diabetes in young First Nations people
2021: Bringing clinical, research and First Nations leaders together in knowledge translation efforts to address critical health issues such as ARF and RHD