Breaking The Intergenerational Cycle Of Obesity Through Nutritional Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$477,180.00
Summary
The nutritional environmental experienced by an individual before birth and in early infancy is a critical determinant of their risk of obesity and assocaited metabolic disorders in later life. Over the course of this fellowship, I will focus on defining the nutritional factors which are the key drivers of this metabolic programming. My ultimate aim is to identify nutritional interventions during pregnancy and/or early infancy which can improve the long-term health outcomes of the child and redu
Progressing Life Course Research In Psychiatric Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,674.00
Summary
Mental health and alcohol disorders are major public health problems which cause long-term disabilities, poor health and early mortality. Addressing these problems requires a better understanding of the early factors leading to these disorders. This research program represents a unique opportunity to increase our knowledge of the origins of these disorders and significantly contribute to improved mental health and alcohol prevention policies and programs.
Control Of Genome Regulation And Its Role In Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Changes in DNA can lead to differences in susceptibility to developing many diseases. The most common mechanism by which this occurs is through changing when and in which tissues disease-relevant genes get translated into proteins. My research focuses on understanding how DNA changes result in altered gene expression and how this can affect disease susceptibility. This work requires the use of high performance computing and statistical analysis of large genome-scale datasets.
Improving And Evaluating The Health Of Mothers And Babies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,848.00
Summary
This research program considers new ways to monitor an unborn baby’s health and to provide better care for childbearing women. Several projects will test the unborn baby’s well being. A new study will consider two forms of cooling treatments to help relieve pain following childbirth. Further research involves studies of the genetics of increased blood pressure in pregnant women and a structured way of looking at existing evidence to consider how well it delivers.
Mechanisms Of Abnormal Expression Of The IGF2 Gene In Disorders Affectin Foetal Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
The IGF2 gene is crucial for foetal growth. Only the copy inherited from the father is active, a phenomenon named parental imprinting. In some children with foetal overgrowth or growth retardation, the deregulation of imprinting of the IGF2 gene during the first days of foetal development will influence subsequent growth and will also have major implications in post-natal and adult life. We will investigate the mechanisms resulting in abnormal imprinting of IGF2 early in development.
Implementing, Evaluating And Translating Pragmatic Strategies To Prevent Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), And Treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
Drinking alcohol when pregnant places the unborn child at risk of lifelong brain damage, that we call Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We can prevent FASD by raising awareness of the harms of drinking in pregnancy, and supporting women not to drink. For those with FASD, treatment programs can help reduce learning and behavioural problems. Our research team work with communities and service providers to implement FASD Prevention and Treatment strategies, and raise awareness of FASD.
Investigating Biological And Genetic Risk Factors For Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a debilitating developmental disorder affecting around 1% of Australians. This research involves a series of cohesive studies utilising internationally unique population samples, to investigate the relationship between increased prenatal androgen exposure, enlarged head circumference, ASD behavioural traits, and genetic variants. This research aims to reveal new information about the biological and genetic mechanisms underpinning ASD.
Fetal And Neonatal Therapy To Improve Perinatal Outcome And Long-term Neurodevelopment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$214,032.00
Summary
I am a consultant neonatologist with a half-time research appointment. Preventing perinatal morbidity and mortality is one of the greatest challenges in medicine today. My vision is to lead research into new fetal and neonatal therapies, foster collaborations with clinicians and scientists, and improve clinical practice. The scope of my research includes “brain-oriented” program of neonatal intensive care, neuroprotective strategies, and devising new fetal together with the obstetricians.