History of STIRC

The Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre (STIRC) (formerly known as the Academic Unit of Sexual Health Medicine) was established in November 1992 with the appointment of Professor Adrian Mindel to the conjoint Chair of Venereology at Sydney University and the University of New South Wales.

The name of the Chair and the Unit was subsequently changed to Sexual Health Medicine to represent the broader interests of the specialty and to promote a positive health message. STIRC is an independent research centre, attached to ICPMR (Westmead Hospital) and the University of Sydney.

The Unit is currently situated at Westmead Hospital. Members of the Unit participate in the clinical work at the Parramatta Sexual Health Clinic (PSHC). The primary functions of the Unit are to promote sexual health and decrease the spread of STIs through research, the enhancement of clinical services, teaching, training and health promotion.