USQ researcher recognised by software giant Microsoft

USQ academic Associate Professor Jeffrey Soar recently attended a workshop run by software giants Microsoft

USQ researcher Associate Professor Jeffrey Soar has once again being recognised internationally for his research in eHealth; this time by software giant Microsoft.

Associate Professor Soar was one of only three Australian eHealth researchers to be invited to the Microsoft Research Asia eHealth Workshop 2010 in Beijing China earlier this month.

eHealth deals with the electronic management of health information to deliver safer, more efficient healthcare.

'I was thrilled to be invited to such an event; there were only around 80 eHealth researchers from across almost all countries of Asia and the Pacific in attendance,' Associate Professor Soar said.

'The workshop was a forum for researchers from different disciplines to meet and exchange research results, which included updates from Microsoft on the latest research developments and activities.'

With technology expected to transform the industry in the next decade, the workshop provided an insight into some of the sectors emerging trends, including the need continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

'It was very exciting to see some of these latest developments in eHealth and it also gave me the chance to network with other university researchers as well as Microsoft Research Asia.'

The invitation to attend the workshop was extended to Associate Professor Soar following the success of the Queensland Smart Home Initiative (QSHI) an initiative which helped the USQ Information Systems academic build a reputation as one of the nation’s foremost experts on eHealth.

'QSHI showcases local and international innovations and technologies to support independent living and home care and aims to keep people in their homes for longer and to reduce lengthy hospital stays.'

A follow-up meeting between Microsoft and Associate Professor Soar is planned for next week.

'The event in Beijing gave me a chance to see the latest in eHealth research as well as the support that Microsoft has to offer. At the meeting next week I want to explore with them the possibility of research collaboration in eHealth.'

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429