A Program Of Methodological And Collaborative Research In Biostatistics And Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,081.00
Summary
Biostatistics is a critical component of health and medical research, especially for studies in population health. However, there is an increasing gap between supply and demand for high-level biostatistical input. This proposal combines novel methodological research into methods for analysing incomplete data, with collaborative research applying new ideas and complex analyses to important health problems. The fellowship will facilitate my development as a future leader in this key area.
Understanding Gene Regulation In Disease Using High Throughput Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
While genetics refers to the gene sequence, or DNA code, epigenetics refers to all the other factors that control how and when each gene is expressed. New technologies with the ability to sequencing billions of bases of DNA are now being used to study epigenetics. However the data sets are vast and complex. I use statistical and computational approaches in the emerging field of bioinformatics to make sense of this data and relate genome wide disruption of epigenetic marks to diseases.
Statistical Bioinformatics For Network Based Prognostic And Precision Therapy In Complex Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
The project aims are to develop bioinformatics solutions that deliver more accurate assessment of prognosis of disease and better prediction of response to drug therapy. This will encourage the translation of research outcomes into practice and lead to increase in Australia’s capacity for research in bioinformatics as well as health and medical research.
Improving Bioinformatic Methods For Studying Gene Regulation In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
New methods for analysing genome-wide data will be developed to ease the data analysis bottleneck that currently exists in medical research. Modelling variation in gene expression from single cells, in screens designed to uncover gene function and assays that measure the factors that turn genes on or off will be the focus. Free software will be developed and made available to researchers worldwide to help them interpret the large and complex data sets that are now routine in genomic medicine.
Control Of Genome Regulation And Its Role In Human Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Changes in DNA can lead to differences in susceptibility to developing many diseases. The most common mechanism by which this occurs is through changing when and in which tissues disease-relevant genes get translated into proteins. My research focuses on understanding how DNA changes result in altered gene expression and how this can affect disease susceptibility. This work requires the use of high performance computing and statistical analysis of large genome-scale datasets.
Development Of Statistical Methodologies And Application To Clinical Cancer Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Integrating different layers of information coming from the recent ‘-omics’ technologies can help improving the treatment and the prevention of complex diseases. In particular, the identification of molecular markers of different types can be used for better diagnostics and prognosis in cancer and immune diseases. This project will develop innovative statistical solutions to handle and make sense of the vast amount of biological data that are routinely generated in the laboratories.
Improving The Prevention And Clinical Management Of Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$236,146.00
Summary
Modern methods of analysis employ complex tools that are not always available or easily understood by doctors making decisions. The dosing of antibiotics is usually constant, even though known factors influence its effectiveness. Similarly, how effective vaccines are can be estimated from routinely available data. This project will develop tools and strategies to assist doctors and public health authorities make the best decisions by improving the analysis of existing data.
Biostatistical Innovation And Capacity Building To Advance Child Health And Life-course Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Biostatistics is a critical component of health and medical research. The proposed program of novel biostatistical research into methods for analysing incomplete data, an extensive portfolio of collaborative research in infant development, and establishment of a national biostatistics network, will facilitate my ongoing leadership in this critical discipline as well as enhancing the international standing of biostatistics in Australia.
Methodological Research In Meta-analysis And Evidence Synthesis: An Evidence-based Methods Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Systematic reviews synthesize available research to determine whether policy, health service delivery, public health, and clinical interventions are effective. Statistical methods underpin the validity of the findings in systematic reviews. This research will evaluate and develop statistical methods for systematic reviews with the aim of improving the quality of reviews and ensuring healthcare decisions are based on reliable research syntheses.
Revolutionising Alcohol Dependence Treatment: Targeting Individual Genetic And Psychological Risk Through Clinical Decision Support Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,023.00
Summary
Alcohol misuse impacts significantly Australia’s health. More effective treatments are needed. Computer-based, decision-making tools improve treatment outcomes. Based on genetic and psychological prognostic information provided by these decision-making tools, individual patient’s strengths and weaknesses can be identified and targeted in treatment. We expect this will significantly improve treatment outcomes in this chronic, relapsing condition.