Identification of structural proteins in the tissue cyst wall of Toxoplasma gondii. Most infections with Toxoplasma gondii are asymptomatic, however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or blindness, deafness and mental retardation in the developing baby. Furthermore, in AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of fatal encephalitis as the normally dormant tissue cysts are reactivated in the absence of an effective immune system. In Australia, it has been estimated that ~ ....Identification of structural proteins in the tissue cyst wall of Toxoplasma gondii. Most infections with Toxoplasma gondii are asymptomatic, however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or blindness, deafness and mental retardation in the developing baby. Furthermore, in AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of fatal encephalitis as the normally dormant tissue cysts are reactivated in the absence of an effective immune system. In Australia, it has been estimated that ~30% of the population is infected with T. gondii and the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is 0.2% of live births, which translates to roughly 500 cases/year. Our research will identify structural proteins in Toxoplasma cyst walls that will lead to the design of new strategies to control the diseases caused by these parasites.Read moreRead less
A Transmission-Blocking Vaccine To Prevent Toxoplasmosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,225.00
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii causes a globally important zoonotic disease. It is transmitted by cats, and finds its way into our food chain via infected meat and contaminated water. We have used a unique functional genomics pipeline to discover proteins crucial for reproduction of Toxoplasma in the cat. We will now test combinations of these proteins to immunise cats and prove that we can develop a vaccine that blocks transmission of this highly significant parasitic disease.
Power systems with diverse generation - implications, control and capability. This research will generate a systematic methodology to handle the impact of the renewable energy sources on the NSW power grid. It increases our understanding of the impact of climate change policies relating to mandatory targets for greenhouse gas reduction helping to build Australia’s research capacity in the national priority area of an environmentally sustainable Australia. The anticipated methodology can also be ....Power systems with diverse generation - implications, control and capability. This research will generate a systematic methodology to handle the impact of the renewable energy sources on the NSW power grid. It increases our understanding of the impact of climate change policies relating to mandatory targets for greenhouse gas reduction helping to build Australia’s research capacity in the national priority area of an environmentally sustainable Australia. The anticipated methodology can also be seen as protecting the security of power infrastructure as well. Maintaining a critical energy infrastructure protects our way of life and ensures ongoing social, economic and environmental well being of Australia.Read moreRead less
ARC Communications Research Network. Building on a strong platform of existing research excellence, the Aim of the Network is to facilitate nation-wide collaborative research, promoting four intersecting research Themes: Mobile and Wireless Communications, Rural Communications, Broadband and Optical Networks, and Fundamentals of Emerging Media. Each Theme is formulated to drive multidisciplinary, innovative research as well as inspire new collaborative initiatives. Four Programs encapsulate the ....ARC Communications Research Network. Building on a strong platform of existing research excellence, the Aim of the Network is to facilitate nation-wide collaborative research, promoting four intersecting research Themes: Mobile and Wireless Communications, Rural Communications, Broadband and Optical Networks, and Fundamentals of Emerging Media. Each Theme is formulated to drive multidisciplinary, innovative research as well as inspire new collaborative initiatives. Four Programs encapsulate the core activities of the Network: Researcher Mobility, Workshops and Conferences, Postgraduate Education, and Knowledge Management Systems. The Network is expected to add significant value to pre-existing investments and raise the profile of Australian telecommunications research.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0346889
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,000.00
Summary
Optical fibre fabrication and characterisation facility for next-generation photonics research. Australia is a world leader in photonics, underpinning the future of information communications technologies. ICT research demands the next generation of optical fibres; requiring high precision, state-of-the-art fibre fabrication and characterization equipment for advanced research into new photonic materials and technologies. OFTC is the keystone supplier of application specific optical fibre to alm ....Optical fibre fabrication and characterisation facility for next-generation photonics research. Australia is a world leader in photonics, underpinning the future of information communications technologies. ICT research demands the next generation of optical fibres; requiring high precision, state-of-the-art fibre fabrication and characterization equipment for advanced research into new photonic materials and technologies. OFTC is the keystone supplier of application specific optical fibre to almost all photonics related research and developing industry in Australia. New equipment will enable OFTC to lead innovation and a high level of excellence in research in fundamental science, new technologies, new fibre including non-linear and photonic-bandgap, fibre devices, lasers and amplifiers, and support commercial development in Australia.Read moreRead less
Identifying genes that influence clinical course and susceptibility in multiple sclerosis. This project aims to identify the genetic basis of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurologic disease in young Australian adults. MS urgently needs research to identify predisposition, aid early diagnosis and provide bona fide molecular targets for new therapies. This will benefit people with MS and those susceptible to it. Crucial new knowledge identified will benefit other major areas of MS rese ....Identifying genes that influence clinical course and susceptibility in multiple sclerosis. This project aims to identify the genetic basis of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurologic disease in young Australian adults. MS urgently needs research to identify predisposition, aid early diagnosis and provide bona fide molecular targets for new therapies. This will benefit people with MS and those susceptible to it. Crucial new knowledge identified will benefit other major areas of MS research including epidemiology, immunology and neurobiology. Collaboration of 8 major Australian institutions is also important for this project and future studies. The team will have access to a new national MS GeneBank (platform) with samples from 2240 patients that should generate findings important to world-wide MS genetic knowledge.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0346822
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,000.00
Summary
Polymer Optical Fibre Drawing Facility. A revolutionary new technology is emerging in polymer optical fibres, sparked by an important breakthrough in polymer optical fibres that was achieved last year by researchers at the University of Sydney. Therefore, Australia currently has a unique and short-lived opportunity to firmly establish themselves as the world leaders of this technology, provided the infrastructure to realise the novel concepts is available. We request funding for a high-quality p ....Polymer Optical Fibre Drawing Facility. A revolutionary new technology is emerging in polymer optical fibres, sparked by an important breakthrough in polymer optical fibres that was achieved last year by researchers at the University of Sydney. Therefore, Australia currently has a unique and short-lived opportunity to firmly establish themselves as the world leaders of this technology, provided the infrastructure to realise the novel concepts is available. We request funding for a high-quality polymer optical fibre draw tower to enable this. The collaborating institutions will be fabricating a range of different polymer optical fibres, targeting specific applications in optical sensing and telecommunications.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347049
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,000.00
Summary
Building Australian Literary Knowledge Infrastructure. The primary goal of AustLit: the Australian Literature Gateway is to facilitate and encourage research in, and teaching of, the nation's creative and critical literature. AustLit's innovative world class resource discovery service utilises best practice techniques in information management and knowledge sharing. In 2003, AustLit will develop new technical services and important new content to meet the defined needs of a wide range of educati ....Building Australian Literary Knowledge Infrastructure. The primary goal of AustLit: the Australian Literature Gateway is to facilitate and encourage research in, and teaching of, the nation's creative and critical literature. AustLit's innovative world class resource discovery service utilises best practice techniques in information management and knowledge sharing. In 2003, AustLit will develop new technical services and important new content to meet the defined needs of a wide range of education and information consumers in the area. AustLit provides the foundation for a subject specific digital library that will retain and expand its usefulness into the future.Read moreRead less
Building Australia's Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Infrastructure. This project aims to enhance the resilience, safety, and efficiency of electricity grids operated with fast-charging Electric Vehicles (EVs) by developing new control and optimisation frameworks. This project expects to develop new robust controllers for EV fast-charging infrastructure operated in coordination with wind and solar generated electricity. Expected project outcomes include enabling fast-charge EV infrastructure to b ....Building Australia's Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Infrastructure. This project aims to enhance the resilience, safety, and efficiency of electricity grids operated with fast-charging Electric Vehicles (EVs) by developing new control and optimisation frameworks. This project expects to develop new robust controllers for EV fast-charging infrastructure operated in coordination with wind and solar generated electricity. Expected project outcomes include enabling fast-charge EV infrastructure to be developed and deployed in Australia by the industry partner SwitchDin. Expected benefits including enabling significant reduction in carbon emissions from the transportation sector, accelerating the energy transition to renewables, and placing Australian industry at the forefront of EV grid integration technology.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354675
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
Australian Communications Research Network (ACoRN). Information and Communication Technology is a key contributor to national productivity and growth. ACoRN aims to stimulate creativity, innovation and breakthrough science, leading to technological advancement in telecommunications. The focus is on development of fundamental theories for application to emerging wired and wireless communications technologies. Specific objectives include consolidation of existing linkages; facilitation of multidis ....Australian Communications Research Network (ACoRN). Information and Communication Technology is a key contributor to national productivity and growth. ACoRN aims to stimulate creativity, innovation and breakthrough science, leading to technological advancement in telecommunications. The focus is on development of fundamental theories for application to emerging wired and wireless communications technologies. Specific objectives include consolidation of existing linkages; facilitation of multidisciplinary research; formation of new links; stimulation of commercial activity; improved post-graduate education; and increased International prominence. Our current vision involves a range of programs including: undergraduate occupational training, postgraduate internships, national and international visiting programs, and seed funding for collaborative proposals.Read moreRead less