Protecting Australia And The Region From Emerging And Re-emerging Infectious Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,540.00
Summary
The world is facing unprecedented threats from epidemics. In 2014 Ebola showed that issues such as quarantine, personal protective equipment and improved health system capacity are just as critical as drugs and vaccines, yet these are under-researched. Professor MacIntyre is an international expert epidemic control. She will lead a strategic research program to improve control of emerging and re-emerging infections, using her expertise in vaccines, personal protective equipment and biosecurity.
Enhancing And Integrating Addiction Neuroscience Knowledge With Clinical Practice, By Transforming The Approach To Assessment And Classification Protocols, And Improving Outcomes By Using Neurocognitive Phenotypes For Tailored Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$838,845.00
Summary
Brain research has reshaped the way we understand addiction, but has not yet led to more effective treatments. This Fellowship will facilitate the creation of a neuroscience- and technology-inspired research clinic that will conduct world-leading research into the fundamental underpinnings of how lifestyle and psychological interventions affect brain and mental health, as well as translate this knowledge into effective, safe and accessible treatments tailored to those affected by addiction.
Although the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases have been known for decades, and modern-day treatment is much advanced, the importance of these diseases persists, such that they remain the number one killer in Australia. This suggests that more can be done to correctly identify those at high and moderate risk of future disease, so as to optimize advice and medical treatment. This project will use the best evidence available to develop new methods of risk prediction and prevention.
Lipidomics Of Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes And Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,765.00
Summary
Obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are major health problems in Australia and result in many tens of thousands of deaths each year. Changes in our metabolism lead to an imbalance in lipids (fats) circulating in our blood (dyslipidemia) which contributes to the disease process. This project will characterise these changes in circulating lipids to develop new tests to identify those at greatest risk of disease so that early treatment can be provided.
It is self-evident that people should be able to go to work and know that their work is not giving them cancer. Despite modern health and safety laws, about 5000 Australians a year contract cancer related to their previous work exposures. My research provides evidence to link chemical and other exposures at work with later cancer development. I also develop new methods to accurately assess past exposure to chemicals. The aim of my research is to make the workplace safer.
Using cutting edge sequencing and genotyping technology, genes causing common and rare human diseases will be identified, and genetic methods developed to diagnose genetic diseases in both antenatal and postnatal life. Treatments for common rheumatic diseases affecting tens of thousands of Australians will be developed informed by these genetic findings.
Solving The Causes Of And Development Of New Therapies For Ankylosing Spondylitis And Related Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable and common form of arthritis affecting primarily the spine and pelvis, and is the 2nd most common form of arthritis worldwide (~0.55%). In this fellowship I will extend my world-leading program of AS research by increasing understanding of its basic causes through research into its genetic and environmental triggers, and from this develop new treatments for this and related diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Using Twin And Family Studies To Make Genomics Relevant To Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
This Fellowship will make major impacts on health by building on decades of research creating large studies of families, and in particular twins. One aim is to produce a simple web-based tool for women to accurately know their risk of breast cancer based on family history, mammography and genetic markers. This could transform breast and genetic screening across the world. Another is to develop new ways of analysing twin data which resolve which risk factors are causal and relevant to prevention.
Innovative Health Programs To Reduce Inequality In Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
As part of his Senior NHMRC Fellowship, Prof Simon Stewart, a world-renowned health services researcher, will lead an internationally linked team of researchers from a broad range of health disciplines to undertake a program of research designed to improve the lives of those most vulnerable to heart disease and poor health outcomes. His program of research will focus on Indigenous Australians, patients with complex forms of heart disease and urban African communities in economic transition.
Understanding The Shared Determinants And Causal Pathways Of Early Life Infection, Inflammation And Atherosclerosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,803.00
Summary
Infection is the commonest reason for childhood hospitalisation, but it is unknown why infection is much more severe in some children. The long-term effects of infection on the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, is also unknown. This research investigates these important questions with the aim of developing better prediction and prevention of severe infection and reducing its impact on adult cardiovascular disease.