Improving Patient Outcomes Through Better Use Of Blood Products
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,412,250.00
Summary
Blood transfusions, used wisely, save lives. Blood must be used judiciously: it is donated by volunteers, and carries risks and great cost to the community. Although a common intervention, evidence in many areas is inadequate to formulate recommendations on how blood should be used. This research program will address national priorities where evidence is weak by undertaking clinical trials to compare transfusion strategies, evaluate alternatives to transfusion and test novel blood components.
HIV incidence remains exceptionally high in young South African women. I will leverage samples collected during two funded clinical studies in South Africa to investigate the relationships between female reproductive tract inflammation, microbiome communities and function, contraceptive use and HIV acquisition. This study will improve our understanding of the factors that influence HIV infection in this key population, as well as HIV incidence globally.
Towards Evidence-based Use Of IVF Add-ons In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
A large number of extra ‘add-on’ treatments are available which claim to increase the chance of success of IVF. However, there is no evidence that these add-ons are safe or effective, and they can cost patients up to $2000. I will undertake research to measure use of add-ons in Australia and the factors that drive supply and demand. I will use this information to develop resources based on robust evidence which will help guide patients and clinicians in making decisions about using IVF add-ons.
Biology Of Speech Disorders: Advancing Diagnosis, Prognosis & Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,515,005.00
Summary
For 100 years, my field has focused on assessing and managing patients based on speech disorder symptomatology. We have ignored aetiology, preventing targeted care. My work will pioneer gene discovery to advance knowledge of the aetiology of human communication disorders, enabling targeted care to reduce disability. Proposed work will be directly translated to improve care and optimise outcomes in speech disorder via advancing detection, diagnosis and prognostic counselling of patients.
Pathogenic Repeat Expansions In Ataxia: Advancing Gene Discovery And Genetic Diagnosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Hereditary ataxia is a severe neurological disorder that results in impaired coordination and balance and affects 1 in 20,000 Australians. Ataxias are often caused by complex genetic mutations called repeat expansions (RE), which are difficult to detect. Therefore, genetic diagnosis of ataxia remains limited and poorly accessible, leading to a gap in clinical care. In this study, we will utilise modern advances in genetic sequencing technology to diagnose and discover ataxias caused by REs.
The Role Of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells In Protective And Aberrant Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,205.00
Summary
Despite their prevalence and potential therapeutic value, MAIT cells remain the least studied of all T cells. This program seeks to do paradigm shifting research into the role of MAIT cells in protective immunity to microbes and allergies. Thereby this project will significantly advance fundamental knowledge on MAIT cell biology and could furnish novel immunotherapeutic agents with an enormous potential as alternatives to microbial and allergy treatments, areas of tremendous clinical need.
There has been no significant breakthrough in the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for over 50 years. Treatment continues to rely on non-specific immunosuppressant drugs and glucocorticoids (GC, or ‘steroids’), and the impact on patients includes high mortality and poor quality of life. In this proposal, I will validate novel endpoints which will break the impasse in SLE drug development and develop tools for minimising GC use in SLE.
The Elimination Of Viral Hepatitis And Ending HIV/AIDS As Global Health Threats.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,114,215.00
Summary
Over the next five years my research will focus on reducing the impact of blood-borne viruses (BBVs), , particularly HCV, in vulnerable populations. Using innovative surveillance systems, research methods, implementation science and mathematical modelling, I will study BBV transmission and develop interventions to reduce it and associated risk behaviours (drug and alcohol use and sexual risk) and increase testing and treatment. My work will advance elimination of BBVs as public health threats.
Healthy Diet And Weight Management In Pregnancy: Evidence To Ease A Hefty Clinical Burden.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,705,260.00
Summary
Approximately 50% of women are overweight or obese on entering pregnancy, placing women at increased risk of well documented pregnancy complications. This proposal will: 1) Translate RCT evidence into clinical practice to provide dietary advice for pregnant women 2) Address why pregnancy interventions have not impacted weight gain despite improved maternal diet 3) Consider the key features of an intervention before conception 4) Evaluate a pilot RCT weight loss intervention
Improving The Health Outcomes For Children With Rare Neurological Diseases With Genomic Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,000.00
Summary
This investigator grant will facilitate expansion of high quality evidence of the application of genomic technologies to improve targeted treatment options and early diagnosis for rare devastating neurological diseases, improving the clinical and translational applications of genomics to transform lives for children and families.