Eating disorder experts from Australia and around the world unite in Melbourne for first-of-its-kind event

On 25 September, eating disorder experts and advocates from around the world will gather in Melbourne for the launch of the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED), a first-of-its-kind international initiative dedicated to advancing treatments for eating disorders.

The launch will be held at Monash University’s Parkville campus and brings together Federal and State government representatives, researchers, clinicians, people with lived experiences, not-for-profits and industry from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Italy, Ireland and Korea.

Initiated through a Monash University Incubator Grant led by Associate Professor Gemma Sharp together with Dr Monica Langiu, Associate Professor Amutha Ramadas, Dr CK Yao and Associate Professor Simon Stafrace, CoRe-ED is a collaboration between multiple partners including Monash, The University of Queensland and Alfred Health.

Associate Professor Sharp, a senior clinical psychologist and leading international expert in body image and eating disorders research, said the aim of CoRe-ED is to create a global platform for discussion and collaboration in eating disorder research, with the ultimate goal of developing new therapies for all people experiencing eating disorders.

“Eating disorders impact around 8 percent of the world’s population and can be experienced by people of any age, gender identity, body size, sexuality or cultural background,” Associate Professor Sharp said.

“However, despite the prevalence of eating disorders, the causes are still poorly understood which has, in turn, hindered the development of effective multidisciplinary treatments across the spectrum of eating disorders.

“This has been the primary motivation behind the formation of CoRe-ED. There is so much expertise and knowledge in this space and by uniting our efforts we significantly increase our chances of unlocking breakthroughs and developing cures.”

In addition to a broad range of guest speakers, the launch will include a panel of experts to discuss how they can collectively drive and translate research across the entire treatment pipeline, from early-stage drug discovery right through to implementing new therapies and approaches in the clinic.

Dr Monica Langiu, a preclinical behavioural neuropharmacologist who has worked together with Associate Professor Sharp, said the event is a rare opportunity to hear from such a wide range of voices who have come together for a common goal.

“CoRe-ED aims to promote innovations in eating disorders and related research by empowering all voices to have their say. Central to this is the voices of those with lived experience, whether it be individuals living with an eating disorder or their families and community,” said Dr Langiu.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in eating disorders and related research and treatments to join the CoRe-ED launch, either virtually or in person.”

CoRe-ED will be offering free membership to the consortium from the 25 September launch onwards to promote accessibility and inclusivity to all interested peoples around the world.

In addition to the Monash funding and lead partners, CoRe-ED has been partnered and supported by Microsoft Australia & NZ, the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (Canada), Bright Therapeutics Global, Bodywhys – The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland, Animenta – Eating Disorder Support (Italy), Rabbits in Submarines – Lived Experience Collective (Korea), Islamic Science University of Malaysia, Microba Australia and Monash University Low FODMAP Diet™. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration also supports the event.