Summary

The reason for travel is to attend the International Symposium on Terpenes in Istanbul (September 2010) to give an oral presentation on my RIRDC-funded research. This meeting, organised by the Phytochemical Society of Europe, is unique amongst natural product conferences since it is focusing purely on the terpenes, which are the main chemical components found in tea tree oil. As such, this conference is bringing together many pre-eminent scientists in the field of terpene research. This opportunity to hear about research from other laboratories and international research group will be invaluable to myself and the Tea Tree Oil Research Group at The University of Western Australia.

Program

Tea Tree Oil

Research Organisation

University of Western Australia

Objective Summary

I will gain unique knowledge that may help to shape future tea tree oil research. I will also have the opportunity to meet many of the researchers and exchange ideas, which has the potential to lead to collaboration. My research presentation, which describes results obtained during the current RIRDC project “Can tea tree oil prevent the development of antibiotic resistance?” (PRJ-003529) has been accepted for an oral presentation at the conference. This presentation will directly contribute to the Tea Tree Oil program objectives of (1) demonstrating proof of concept/efficacy for innovative applications of tea tree oil and (2) TTO-Fostering communication that increases understanding and thereby encourages greater use of tea tree oil. The format of an oral presentation will enable me to effectively communicate results of our current and previous RIRDC-funded research to the other conference delegates. My colleague Dr Sara Greay is also attending the conference to present her RIRDC-funded research on the anti-cancer properties of tea tree oil. Communicating our research on tea tree oil to a broad range of interested parties may foster international interest in the oil, which will in turn benefit the Australian industry significantly.