Sarah Bray

I have a wide interest in science, health and fitness and am also passionate about science engagement with the wider community. I have worked on a diverse range of projects over my career so far, from medical research projects in cancer biology (leukaemia and rare blood disorders) and tropical infectious disease research for a biotech company, to my PhD project wrangling ancient DNA from extinct bears!

My background and experience in working in such a diverse range of research areas as a scientist and research admin/manager has given me the ability to understand and interpret complex scientific and medical information, and to communicate the research in meaningful ways to different audiences.

In my current role at SAHMRI, I helped to establish & develop the Registry of Older South Australians (ROSA), including ongoing facilitatation of consumer & community involvement in ROSA and coordination of consumer engagement activities.

ROSA has been established by the Healthy Ageing Research Consortium – a cross-sectoral partnership of researchers, clinicians, aged care providers and consumer advocacy groups. ROSA is designed to monitor the health, service utilisation, medication use, mortality, and other outcomes of people receiving aged care services in South Australia. ROSA’s efficient model leverages existing information, bringing together diverse datasets already collected by different organisations throughout the country, to provide us with a whole picture of the ageing pathway. Supported by the South Australian Government through the Premier’s Research and Industry Fund, this ambitious undertaking provides a unique data resource that allows evidence-driven decision-making to improve the lives of all South Australians accessing aged care services.