Developing feasible in situ control of mange disease in wombats. Our goal is the development of feasible in situ control of sarcoptic mange in wombat populations. Globally important, the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infects >100 mammal species and is among the 50 most common human diseases, causing health, welfare and population impacts. This infection is treatable, and we will test a new treatment (fluralaner), develop new models to guide management, and conduct replicated field trials. This will ena ....Developing feasible in situ control of mange disease in wombats. Our goal is the development of feasible in situ control of sarcoptic mange in wombat populations. Globally important, the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infects >100 mammal species and is among the 50 most common human diseases, causing health, welfare and population impacts. This infection is treatable, and we will test a new treatment (fluralaner), develop new models to guide management, and conduct replicated field trials. This will enable science-based guidelines, advancing disease control, local eradication, and regulatory approval for wombats. Our research framework is adaptable to other mange-impacted species, and advance methods and theory for control of treatable disease in wildlife.Read moreRead less
Mathematical modelling can provide vital information on the effectiveness and practical implementation of microbicides and vaccines against HIV. This project will produce mathematical models of the earliest stages of HIV infection suitable for investigation of the implementation of vaccines and microbicides. It will provide a framework to investigate why these interventions have performed poorly to date, and how these may be better implemented.
ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture. The ARC CoE for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture will discover the adaptive strategies underpinning productivity and resilience in diverse plants and deepen knowledge of the genetic and physiological networks driving key traits. Using novel quantitative and computational approaches, the Centre will link gene networks with traits across biological levels, giving breeders an unparalleled predictive capacity. The Centre wi ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture. The ARC CoE for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture will discover the adaptive strategies underpinning productivity and resilience in diverse plants and deepen knowledge of the genetic and physiological networks driving key traits. Using novel quantitative and computational approaches, the Centre will link gene networks with traits across biological levels, giving breeders an unparalleled predictive capacity. The Centre will accelerate technologies to transfer successful networks into crops and build legal frameworks to secure this knowledge. With a uniquely multidisciplinary team, the Centre will deliver new strategies to address the problems of food security and climate change, establishing Australia as a global leader in these areas.Read moreRead less
Modelling and estimation techniques for the transmission and control of Tuberculosis with new and existing vaccines. Most Tuberculosis in Australia is seen in foreign-born people. Australia has an important role in providing leadership in the Asia-Pacific region in Tuberculosis control, which will have flow-on benefits to TB control in this country. Using mathematical models, this project will assess the use of vaccines for Tuberculosis in the developing world. Rising levels of extremely drug r ....Modelling and estimation techniques for the transmission and control of Tuberculosis with new and existing vaccines. Most Tuberculosis in Australia is seen in foreign-born people. Australia has an important role in providing leadership in the Asia-Pacific region in Tuberculosis control, which will have flow-on benefits to TB control in this country. Using mathematical models, this project will assess the use of vaccines for Tuberculosis in the developing world. Rising levels of extremely drug resistant infections make this a timely and important study with significant policy implications, both externally and in the Australian context. Read moreRead less
New mathematics of fractional diffusion for understanding cognitive impairment at the neuronal level. As Australia's population ages, cognitive impairment due to cortical ageing and neurodegeneration is looming as the nation's greatest health problem. The project will deliver new, more realistic, mathematical models for a mechanistic understanding of cognitive impairment at the neuronal level. This understanding is a vital first step in targeting drugs, e.g., to influence neuronal spine proper ....New mathematics of fractional diffusion for understanding cognitive impairment at the neuronal level. As Australia's population ages, cognitive impairment due to cortical ageing and neurodegeneration is looming as the nation's greatest health problem. The project will deliver new, more realistic, mathematical models for a mechanistic understanding of cognitive impairment at the neuronal level. This understanding is a vital first step in targeting drugs, e.g., to influence neuronal spine properties, for preventative health care. The project will maintain international collaborations, between applied mathematicians at UNSW, Sydney and biomathematicians and neuroscientists at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, providing ongoing training opportunities for Australian scientists in this cutting edge biomathematical research.Read moreRead less
Real-time analysis of tumour-infiltrating T cells using novel analytical tools. By dynamic visualization of immune cells within intact tumours, we have shown that active screening for target cells optimises their anti-tumour effect. This project will develop novel mathematical/analytical tools to unravel the basic strategies that enable immune cells to position themselves at the right location at the right time.