A very small ask for a huge scientific gain

Professor Nick Martin is Lead Investigator of the Australian Genetics of Depression Study and Head of the Genetic Epidemiology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane. Prof Martin explains his study aims to identify the genes responsible for a genetic predisposition to depression, in order to find new treatments and cures for clinical depression.

“If we can find those genes, we can design new treatments to ultimately help cure the illness,” said Prof Martin.

“We estimate there are between three-to-four million Australians who have experienced depression at some time in their lives.

“We’re just trying to find some tens-of-thousands of those who are willing to help science, by filling in a short questionnaire about their experience of depression, and giving us a saliva sample. It’s a very small ask for a huge scientific gain,” Prof Martin said.

Prof Martin is encouraging all Australians aged 18 and above who have lived with clinical depression to participate in this important Australian Genetics of Depression study.

Watch Professor Nick Martin’s video appeal for study participants here:

Join the Australian Genetics of Depression Study here today:  http://www.geneticsofdepression.org.au/