MEDIA RELEASE 29 January 2008

PROFESSOR MICHAEL CRAWFORD IN AUSTRALIA FEB 4-9

Director, Institute of Brain Chemistry & Human Nutrition, London Metropolitan University

Professor Crawford, Director of The Institute of Brain Chemistry & Human Nutrition at London Metropolitan University will visit Australia from Monday - Saturday, February 4 - 9. Professor Crawford is one of the worlds’ most eminent researchers into brain function and human nutrition, with more than 300 publications, his lifetime of work in the fields of nutrition and the brain has made him a strong advocate of greater consumption of seafood for good health.
The Professor has urged greater consumption of seafood to reverse the growth of mental health problems in developed nations, saying that the rise in brain disorders and mental health problems associated with a deficiency in Omega 3 (fish) oils is “the most pressing health issue of the 21st century -- forget obesity, mental health is the real disaster already beginning to happen”. (Mental health has overtaken heart disease as the leading medical health problem in Europe, estimated in 2004 to cost 386 billion Euros a year.)

Prof. Crawford is one of the world’s most influential researchers and writers on nutrition and related subjects, has headed The Institute of Brain Chemistry & Human Nutrition since 1989, and has received numerous international awards. ( Professor Crawford’s full Curriculum Vitae )

Professor Crawford will be the keynote speaker at public seminars taking place in Adelaide and Sydney and attending industry events in these cities and on the Gold Coast (see itinerary below).

Professor Michael Crawford’s Australian stopover is being hosted by Seafood Services Australia’s (SSA) Seafood for Life Program, which aims to help seafood businesses understand and use knowledge of seafood health benefits in their promotion and marketing activities.

Professor Crawford will be accompanied by an SSA representative during his visit, and interviews can be arranged by calling Mr Roy Palmer (SSA) on 0419 528 733.

Professor Michael Crawford Australian Itinerary

Monday 4 February - Adelaide – Dinner with Seafood CRC Board and Professor Michael Crawford
Tuesday 5 February - Adelaide Seminar (Art Gallery of SA)

PLEASE NOTE: The Adelaide Seminar has been Booked Out Due to Popular Demand! (Anyone wishing to go on a cancellation list should contact Emily Downes and they will be notified if a seat becomes available)
Confirmed attendees should note there has been a change to the order of speakers.

Wednesday 6 February - Sydney Fish Market Tour & Talk on “Why we need to eat Seafood” (6.30–9.30am)
Wednesday 6 February - Sydney (University of Sydney) Nutrition Society Seminar
Thursday 7 February - Sydney Morning Meetings
Thursday 7 February - Gold Coast Industry events (Afternoon)
Friday 8 February - Gold Coast Industry events (Morning)
Saturday 9 February - Flies to Sydney (Morning)
Saturday 9 February - Flies to UK

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Professor Michael Crawford’s Curriculum Vitae
For more information on the health benefits of seafood

To arrange an interview with Professor Crawford (and visuals), please contact:
Mr Roy Palmer, "Seafood for Life” Program, Seafood Services Australia: 0419 528 733 or palmerroy@hotmail.com