Biomedical research now routinely generates massive, complex datasets using next generation sequencing platforms and other high throughput “omics” technologies. Our unique program will develop powerful computational and statistical methods to analyse such data. We will apply these methods to a range of human diseases including cancer, and infectious and genetics disease, contributing to deeper insight into pathological states.
Human Epilepsy: Understanding Biology To Improve Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$16,657,948.00
Summary
Our team of neurologists, molecular geneticists, physiologists and brain imaging specialists and leads the world in the discovery of the genetic causes of epilepsy. Through this work we will identify genes underlying epilepsy and study how genetic variations result in the development of seizures. Advanced brain imaging will be used to understand the effects of genetic variation on brain structure and function. This study may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatments for epilepsy.
ADVANCING THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR CARE AND POLICY IN PRIORITY HEALTH AREAS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,195,727.00
Summary
This program will improve health care and policy through clinical trials research and better methods for combining trial evidence. The team will tackle priority health areas to reduce death and serious disability: in particular in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and neonatal diseases. The program team includes clinicians, epidemiologists, trialists, biostatisticians, and health economists and collaborative networks of clinical investigators in each disease area.
Depressive And Bipolar Disorders: Causes, Presentation And Treatment Innovations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,100,605.00
Summary
Depression and bipolar disorder are two of Australia’s leading causes of disease burden, with 3-4 million Australians affected during their lifetime. However, despite being such a serious health burden, there are major shortcomings to current understanding and management. This research program aims to further our knowledge of the causes and presentations of the mood disorders, and to improve and “tailor” treatment for the many Australians who suffer from these highly disabling illnesses.
Uncovering The Basis Of Inflammatory And Immunodeficiency Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,718,075.00
Summary
A world-class team from 3 institutions, spanning disciplines of clinical and experimental immunology, therapeutics, signalling and genetics, will identify how immune and inflammatory responses are controlled in both health and disease. The major outcomes of this work will be the generation of new knowledge, concepts and approaches to diagnose, prevent and treat the major human health problems of autoimmune diseases, inflammation, allergy and immunodeficiency.
Disorders Of Sex Development: Genetics, Diagnosis, Informing Clinical Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,751,502.00
Summary
Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are surprisingly common, and often result in genital abnormalities, gender mis-assignment, infertility and psychological trauma. We will pool our expertise in human genetics, molecular and developmental biology, to find genes important for sex development, identify gene defects that cause DSD, and study their functions. We will liaise with clinicians to apply these findings to the accurate diagnosis and medical care of DSD in children.
This Program team will discover new things about immunity to cancer and virus infection and translate the information into novel therapies in patients with blood or solid cancers. The approaches will include new cellular or antibody therapies, alone or in combination. We will determine new predictive biomarkers to better select patients for therapy. We will overcome treatment resistance, improve the safety of combination therapies, and determine their best scheduling and dosing.
For 60 years, we have had only 3 effective cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, often used in combination.The last 5 years have produced a powerful fourth treatment: the patient's own immune system.The long standing collaborations and synergies of our multi-disciplinary teams have already underpinned many recent advances in immune-based therapies: we are now poised to develop several further immunotherapies and on track to test them in patients during the term of this grant.
Linking Lifestyle And Molecular Biology To Inform Precision Public Health For Major Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$8,487,111.00
Summary
The Program of research seeks to increase our understanding of cancer risk. We will use our large collections of population and family-based datasets to conduct innovative analyses, improving our understanding of the roles that genetic, epigenetic and lifestyle factors play in our risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. This information should allow us to better predict a person’s cancer risk, enabling public health interventions, such as screening, to be delivered more effectively and e ....The Program of research seeks to increase our understanding of cancer risk. We will use our large collections of population and family-based datasets to conduct innovative analyses, improving our understanding of the roles that genetic, epigenetic and lifestyle factors play in our risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. This information should allow us to better predict a person’s cancer risk, enabling public health interventions, such as screening, to be delivered more effectively and economically to those most at risk.Read moreRead less