The Role Of Preconception And Perinatal Substance Use And Misuse In Childhood Social, Emotional And Behavioural Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
This project will use perinatal and preconception data from three long-running Australian studies that have tracked the health and wellbeing of several thousand participants prior to parenthood. The aim is to understand how parental histories of substance use, and patterns of use during pregnancy, and in early life, shape offspring social, emotional and behavioural outcomes across childhood. Results will inform new approaches to preventing substance-related harms within and across generations.
A Network Approach To Mapping And Modifying Brain Changes In Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,245.00
Summary
Psychosis fundamentally alters a person’s relationship with reality. Brain scans can map which parts of the brain are affected by psychosis, but they cannot reveal the actual disease processes that cause these changes. I will address this gap by integrating brain imaging with genetics and mathematical modelling to identify the brain circuits and molecules that impact risk for psychosis, and to develop targeted therapies that modify risk-related brain dysfunction.
Generating Evidence For A Strong Foundation: Using Population Health Data For Translational Child Health, Healthcare And Policy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,500,000.00
Summary
Professor Natasha Nassar’s research program uses advanced research methods to address new challenges in child population health. She will investigate the role and impact of early life factors, paediatric healthcare practices and long-term morbidity and survivorship on child health and development. Identification of at-risk children and involvement of clinicians and policy-makers in research will ensure improved child population health and development and healthy start to life for all children.