Improving Child Health Outcomes In Common, High Burden Conditions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$279,895.00
Summary
As medical advances over the past 50 years have helped to reduce traditional childhood illnesses such as infections, behavioural, developmental and mental health problems have increased. These problems affect at least 1 in 5 Australian children yet the vast majority of problems go undetected and untreated. I propose to develop, trial and disseminate evidence-based approaches to common child health problems including mental health and sleep problems.
Determining The Role Of Oxytocin And Associated Analogues In Treatments For Social Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and pra ....This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and practice within Australian society.Read moreRead less
How Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors Interactively Impact On Animal Models For Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
The proposed research will clarify to what degree a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia alters the response to environmental risk factors (e.g. social stress and drugs of abuse) or interacts with them. Further, it will provide more sophisticated animal models for schizophrenia as well as better tools to validate these models. These studies may offer novel genetic and molecular clues to help explain the interactive nature of the impact genetic and environmental factors have on schizophrenia.
Enhancing Understanding Of The Combined Influence Of Physical Activity And Sleep As CVD Risk Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Physical activity and sleep both impact health but are rarely considered as joint influences of health. I lead a research group that combines epidemiology and intervention research to generate unique insights to better understand how these behaviours jointly impact health and develop, evaluate and disseminate interventions to improve these behaviours.
Understanding Adolescent Neurodevelopment: Relevance To Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,928.00
Summary
Schizophrenia first appears clinically during late adolescence. This project seeks to understand the molecular changes that occur during adolescent brain development that may underlie the behavioural abnormalities found in schizophrenia. We will focus on Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a gene which when reduced is associated with schizophrenia. By examining the role of this gene during adolescent brain development, we will better understand how disruptions to this gene may lead to schi ....Schizophrenia first appears clinically during late adolescence. This project seeks to understand the molecular changes that occur during adolescent brain development that may underlie the behavioural abnormalities found in schizophrenia. We will focus on Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a gene which when reduced is associated with schizophrenia. By examining the role of this gene during adolescent brain development, we will better understand how disruptions to this gene may lead to schizophrenia-like behaviours in adulthood.Read moreRead less
Advancing Population-based Approaches To Physical Activity Participation In Rural Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,964.00
Summary
Nationally the public health burden of inactive lifestyle is increasing; yet no research is being conducted in rural areas. My research will contribute new knowledge on best-practice physical activity programs designed to reach and meet the needs of people in rural areas. This is an innovative extension of my previous research that has produced programs that reduce the burden of chronic disease risk factors, by helping people to achieve optimal health and well-being through physical activity.
Improving Communication About Immunisation Through Social Sciences Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,219.00
Summary
Vaccination is one of the greatest public health acheivements of the last century. Yet new threats to vaccine programs arise as diseases become less visible. Waning public confidence in immunisation and specific vaccine scares continue to threaten programs globally. This research will help to improve our understanding of why people do and don't immunise and the role communication can play. It will develop and test novel interventions to address public concerns and assist health professionals in ....Vaccination is one of the greatest public health acheivements of the last century. Yet new threats to vaccine programs arise as diseases become less visible. Waning public confidence in immunisation and specific vaccine scares continue to threaten programs globally. This research will help to improve our understanding of why people do and don't immunise and the role communication can play. It will develop and test novel interventions to address public concerns and assist health professionals in the way they communicate vaccine risk and benefit.Read moreRead less
Long-term Outcomes After Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injuries during early childhood often result in long-lasting issues including social behaviour problems and post-traumatic epilepsy. Using a unique model of brain injury in young mice, my research aims to identify the biology underlying the changes that cause these issues, and evaluate novel approaches to improve long-term outcomes after brain injury.