High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes ....High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes include computational models of how the most infectious viral variants emerge and spread in presence of interventions, how to predict the outbreaks, and which are the most vulnerable communities. This should make a significant economic and social impact, improving population health while maintaining a resilient economy.Read moreRead less
Quantifying emergence and dynamics of foodborne epidemics in Australia. The project aims to greatly improve the accuracy and scope of computational epidemiological models predicting emergence and evolution of foodborne diseases in Australia. It expects to reveal key pathways for both biological evolution of microorganisms, and their spread though food supply chains and human interactions. The intended outcomes include discovering how the most dominant strains of foodborne infection emerge and se ....Quantifying emergence and dynamics of foodborne epidemics in Australia. The project aims to greatly improve the accuracy and scope of computational epidemiological models predicting emergence and evolution of foodborne diseases in Australia. It expects to reveal key pathways for both biological evolution of microorganisms, and their spread though food supply chains and human interactions. The intended outcomes include discovering how the most dominant strains of foodborne infection emerge and self-organise in complex networks, how to predict and contain the epidemics closer to their source, and which are the most vulnerable groups and communities. This should make a significant economic and social impact, improving health of the population, while also safeguarding national and international supply chains.Read moreRead less
Environmental And Host Contributors To Infectious Health Threats And Burden Of Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,712.00
Summary
Infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. I will undertake research in a number of areas, with a focuses on: i)Imported infections: My lead role in and access to a global network of sites that track infections among travellers and immigrants will enable study of emerging priority issues among mobile populations. ii)Waterborne risks: I will perform studies to identify optimal strategies for improving water supply and associated health impacts in developing countries.
Economic, social and cross cultural issues in non-pharmaceutical protection of front line responders to pandemic influenza and emerging infections. The protection of front line responders in a pandemic is essential to underpin an effective response. This research is the only work internationally which will address a key gap in evidence. This research has major implications for the national stockpile and for management of front line responders in a pandemic. These data are urgently needed, not ju ....Economic, social and cross cultural issues in non-pharmaceutical protection of front line responders to pandemic influenza and emerging infections. The protection of front line responders in a pandemic is essential to underpin an effective response. This research is the only work internationally which will address a key gap in evidence. This research has major implications for the national stockpile and for management of front line responders in a pandemic. These data are urgently needed, not just in Australia, but globally to inform pandemic planning and disease control policy around emerging infections and bioterrorism.Read moreRead less
Spatiotemporal Risk Assessment Of Emerging Infectious Disease Threats To Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$641,204.00
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) such as dengue and influenza pose a constant and growing threat to Australians. We live in an increasingly connected world in which EIDs cross borders and oceans, carried by infected people or vectors. This research will build an evidence base for allocation of resources to surveillance and preventive health programmes aimed at mitigating the threat of EIDs, through identifying high-risk sources, routes of introduction, incursion locations and communities.
Quantifying The Microbial Health Risks Of Expanded Alternative Water Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,496.00
Summary
Addressing current and future water shortages requires substitution of high quality drinking water with alternative water sources for an expanded range of purposes. However, potential adverse health effects must be avoided. This project measures health risks associated with a variety of alternative water sources and water use combinations. Project outputs will help determine appropriate requirements for water treatment and help refine guidelines to ensure that water use is safe.
Asbestos And Related Diseases In Western Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,727.00
Summary
This project will extend the follow-up of large, well established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to blue asbestos, either through their jobs or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are common among these groups. This study will provide information on the effects of different levels of exposure to blue asbestos. Ways in which these diseases may be prevented through the diet and other lifestyle habits will be closely examined. This project provides ....This project will extend the follow-up of large, well established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to blue asbestos, either through their jobs or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are common among these groups. This study will provide information on the effects of different levels of exposure to blue asbestos. Ways in which these diseases may be prevented through the diet and other lifestyle habits will be closely examined. This project provides important data on the dose-response effects of a known carcinogen. Due to the integrated nature of our already established follow up systems we are in a unique position worldwide to achieve these aims. The dose response relationships between exposure and disease identified by this study will contribute to occupational health and safety exposure standards and compensation policy in Australia. The information on lifestyle factors is appropriate for use in many different health promotion interventions. Ongoing contact with the cohorts is critical to our involvement in collaborative preventative and biological studies.Read moreRead less
Phylogeography, evolution and taxonomy of humanity's greatest pest, Rattus rattus: Epidemiological, archaeological and conservation implications. This project will characterise a major threat to Australian biosecurity and health, and identify the range of likely disease risks associated with introductions of different 'strains' of black rat. It will provide critical data for management efforts around the world, especially for strategic partners in neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as well as ....Phylogeography, evolution and taxonomy of humanity's greatest pest, Rattus rattus: Epidemiological, archaeological and conservation implications. This project will characterise a major threat to Australian biosecurity and health, and identify the range of likely disease risks associated with introductions of different 'strains' of black rat. It will provide critical data for management efforts around the world, especially for strategic partners in neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as well as for conservation efforts within Australia. The data will also provide novel means to track the timing and routes of human prehistoric movements throughout the area. It will establish strategic research collaborations between researchers in zoological, medical, epidemiological, genetics, and conservation fields in a unique multi-disciplinary study.Read moreRead less
The Australian Health Inequalities Research Program (AHIRP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
This research proposal focuses on the monitoring and surveillance of health inequalities in Australia, the measurement and collection of socioeconomic data, improving our knowledge and understanding of health inequalities, investigating policies and interventions to reduce health inequalities, and strengthening Australia’s research capacity and infrastructure as these relate to health inequalities.
Using mathematical modelling to inform HIV/AIDS public health policy. This research will directly inform HIV/AIDS policy officials on the most effective strategies for preventing new cases in HIV in the community. Consequently, there are health benefits for Australia and for the other countries in which the research is being conducted. HIV/AIDS community groups, educators, and other advocacy groups will also be engaged in the research, leading to the development of focussed prevention campaigns ....Using mathematical modelling to inform HIV/AIDS public health policy. This research will directly inform HIV/AIDS policy officials on the most effective strategies for preventing new cases in HIV in the community. Consequently, there are health benefits for Australia and for the other countries in which the research is being conducted. HIV/AIDS community groups, educators, and other advocacy groups will also be engaged in the research, leading to the development of focussed prevention campaigns by these stakeholders to inform the appropriate communities. Reducing the health burdens of HIV/AIDS will also have economic benefits.Read moreRead less