The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
Chimeric Virus-like Particles (VLPs) Displaying H1, H3 And H5 Haemagglutinins - Construction And Immunogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,543.00
Summary
Virus-like particles (VLPs) provoke strong immune responses in the body. We have developed a novel VLP system that allows the production of VLPs containing foreign vaccine antigens of much larger size than previously possible, and have shown that these VLPs provoke strong immune responses in mice without the use of adjuvants. The capacity of these VLPs is large enough to accommodate the most important vaccine antigen of influenza, the haemagglutinin (HA) molecule. We will test whether VLPs can b ....Virus-like particles (VLPs) provoke strong immune responses in the body. We have developed a novel VLP system that allows the production of VLPs containing foreign vaccine antigens of much larger size than previously possible, and have shown that these VLPs provoke strong immune responses in mice without the use of adjuvants. The capacity of these VLPs is large enough to accommodate the most important vaccine antigen of influenza, the haemagglutinin (HA) molecule. We will test whether VLPs can be produced containing each of the three most important HA types _ H1 and H3 that are currently circulating in man, and H5 (avian) that is considered a pandemic threat. VLPs will be tested for their ability to induce neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses in mice, and for their ability to protect ferrets from influenza infection. If successful, the HA-VLP system would provide a method for the rapid production of new influenza vaccines using large-scale fermentation technology as for hepatitis B and many other vaccines, rather than eggs or cell culture as used for current influenza vaccines.Read moreRead less
The Use Of Inulin-based Adjuvants To Enhance The Effectiveness And Population Coverage Of Influenza Vaccination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,393.00
Summary
A major obstacle in the development of effective vaccines to protect against bird flu (avian influenza) is the difficulty in producing enough vaccine in a short enough time to be able to protect the population should bird flu become a problem in the human population. Our research is focused on a technique to make vaccines much more effective and thereby reduce the amount of vaccine needed for each person. This would allow many more people to be protected with the same amount of vaccine. This tec ....A major obstacle in the development of effective vaccines to protect against bird flu (avian influenza) is the difficulty in producing enough vaccine in a short enough time to be able to protect the population should bird flu become a problem in the human population. Our research is focused on a technique to make vaccines much more effective and thereby reduce the amount of vaccine needed for each person. This would allow many more people to be protected with the same amount of vaccine. This technology is known as a vaccine adjuvant and we have developed a unique adjuvant based on a natural plant sugar called inulin that has the potential to dramatically enhance existing and new flu vaccines.Read moreRead less
A link between periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums, and cardiovascular disease has been suggested in recent studies, however the evidence remains uncertain. Supporting the link are data that inflammation predisposes to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Patients in the PERICAR study will have blood tests before and after periodontal treatment so that researchers can study whether treatment reduces factors in the blood that have previously been shown to indicate the risk of cardiovascul ....A link between periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums, and cardiovascular disease has been suggested in recent studies, however the evidence remains uncertain. Supporting the link are data that inflammation predisposes to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Patients in the PERICAR study will have blood tests before and after periodontal treatment so that researchers can study whether treatment reduces factors in the blood that have previously been shown to indicate the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study will provide further clues to this potentially very important and treatable relationship.Read moreRead less
The Genetic Understanding Of Asbestos Related Disorders (GUARD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,008.00
Summary
This proposal is to build a new national biospeciman resource for mesothelioma research that will both underpin and enhance the national health and medical research effort in Australia by systematically enabling a world-class resource for genetic epidemiological research. The Genetic Understanding of Asbestos-Related Disorders (GUARD) project aims to establish a national facility that will enable new, large-scale DNA banking capacity for malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other asbestos-related dis ....This proposal is to build a new national biospeciman resource for mesothelioma research that will both underpin and enhance the national health and medical research effort in Australia by systematically enabling a world-class resource for genetic epidemiological research. The Genetic Understanding of Asbestos-Related Disorders (GUARD) project aims to establish a national facility that will enable new, large-scale DNA banking capacity for malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other asbestos-related diseases. The GUARD biospecimen resource and linked database will integrate the current WA population-based asbestos-exposed cohorts with case collections from across Australia. The GUARD project will undertake high-quality research aimed at discovering the genes and gene: environment interactions underlying susceptibility, progression and variable response to chemotherapy in mesothelioma, and will facilitate National collaboration and research in the areas of genetic epidemiology and pharmacogenomics. Progress towards the goals of the GUARD project holds the potential for enormous public health benefits; the incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing, due to the long delay between asbestos exposure and diagnosis. GUARD will ensure that Australian researchers have access to a large and well-managed biospecimen resource linked to excellent clinical data, and that Australia takes the lead role internationally in genetic research into mesothelioma. GUARD data will be critical for understanding the importance and functional roles of specific genes in the general Australian population, and their relationship to particular environmental factors. Understanding how causal factors act at a population level will be a critical step for the clinical utilization of new genomic knowledge and tools to improve clinical practice and public health.Read moreRead less
Establishing The Capacity For H5N1 Challenge Of Ferrets Within Australia &optimizing Pandemic Vaccines In This Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,513.00
Summary
Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to in ....Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to institute widespread vaccination of the Australian population. It is not possible to test the vaccines in people for their effectiveness against avian influenza infection prior to a disease outbreak, so an animal model for the disease will be used to assist in optimizing the formulation of flu vaccines and in testing their efficacy in preventing infection or reducing the severity of disease. Ferrets are natural hosts for flu viruses, have similar responses to vaccination as people, and develop a similar disease to humans when infected with influenza. These animals will be used to assist vaccine manufacturers in providing the best type of vaccine for protection of Australians in the face of a global flu pandemic.Read moreRead less
Development Of National Protocols For The Detection Of Influenza A H5N1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$248,229.00
Summary
This project will develop a best practice approach to the diagnosis of influenza A H5N1 (Bird Flu) in Australian public health laboratories. Tests such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are in use globally for influenza A H5N1 detection. Some proprietary rapid influenza A tests also claim to detect influenza A H5N1. However there is little information on systematic evaluation of these, largely because there have been relatively few human influenza A H5N1 cases and patie ....This project will develop a best practice approach to the diagnosis of influenza A H5N1 (Bird Flu) in Australian public health laboratories. Tests such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are in use globally for influenza A H5N1 detection. Some proprietary rapid influenza A tests also claim to detect influenza A H5N1. However there is little information on systematic evaluation of these, largely because there have been relatively few human influenza A H5N1 cases and patient specimens. Australian laboratories need authoritative guidelines as to optimal influenza tests, target genes and reagents. Development of a simple, potentially automated type specific test for influenza A H5N1 antibody such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is also desirable, as widely used tests cannot distinguish between infection with H5 or other influenza types. Reference methods such as haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) are cumbersome. In this project mock specimens for virus and antibody detection will be created using viral cell culture and infected chicken derived influenza A H5N1. This will be undertaken in physical containment level 4 (PC4) facilities in Australia's designated human and animal PC4 laboratories. This material will be used for (i) specimen panels to compare the performance of candidate laboratory tests (ii) positive control material in all tests undertaken and (iii) quality assurance exercises to ensure high standards of testing. Using these panels the group will assess influenza H5N1 RT-PCR, tests for detection of influenza proteins including immunofluorescence, and rapid point of care influenza A detection tests available in Australia. An EIA method currently used to detect influenza antibodies from different animal species will be refined to develop a simple test for type specific detection influenza A H5N1 antibodies, and subsequently evaluated using animal sera. A standard method for HAI reference serology for use in public health laboratories will also be recommended, and the best approaches to high throughput automated RT-PCR, and performing RT-PCR in the field on portable instrumentation will be explored. Recommendations for standard protocols for influenza A H5N1 will be developed and will submitted for review and endorsement by Commonwealth ministerial advisory committees.Read moreRead less
Avian Influenza: Molecular Basis Of Potential Resistance To Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,250.00
Summary
In this project we will visualize an avian flu protein bound to various antiviral drugs that are currently in the clinic (Relenza and Tamiflu) or are in clinical development. In the immediate term, the images derived from the project will be a valuable predictive tool for evaluating the likely effectiveness of antiviral drugs and vaccines in response to emerging viral resistance. In the longer term the images could be used to guide the development of new antivirals and vaccines against avian flu ....In this project we will visualize an avian flu protein bound to various antiviral drugs that are currently in the clinic (Relenza and Tamiflu) or are in clinical development. In the immediate term, the images derived from the project will be a valuable predictive tool for evaluating the likely effectiveness of antiviral drugs and vaccines in response to emerging viral resistance. In the longer term the images could be used to guide the development of new antivirals and vaccines against avian flu. This initiative brings together Industry leaders in the development of influenza antivirals and vaccines, CSL and Biota, with a leading Medical Research Institute.Read moreRead less
Research & Training To Reduce Morbidity & Mortality From Malaria In Papua ( Indonesia)& Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,649,828.00
Summary
Malaria kills many thousands of people each year in Indonesia and PNG. This project will look at better ways to treat and prevent malaria. The team will examine whether using new combinations of drugs in clinics can reduce the amount of severe malaria seen in Papua. The team will examine whether giving people with severe malaria arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid, can increase molecules that may protect against severe malaria. Finally it will examine how lung damage occurs in people with ....Malaria kills many thousands of people each year in Indonesia and PNG. This project will look at better ways to treat and prevent malaria. The team will examine whether using new combinations of drugs in clinics can reduce the amount of severe malaria seen in Papua. The team will examine whether giving people with severe malaria arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid, can increase molecules that may protect against severe malaria. Finally it will examine how lung damage occurs in people with severe malaria and whether this can be predicted.Read moreRead less
Neonatal Immunization With Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,181,966.00
Summary
One million children die every year of pneumococcal (Pnc) disease, the majority in the third world. Many die in early infancy and babies may benefit from immunisation with a Pnc conjugate vaccine (PrevenarTM) at birth. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Insatiate of Medical Research; Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, will collaborate to closely examine the safety of this approach, particularly with regard to impact on the dev ....One million children die every year of pneumococcal (Pnc) disease, the majority in the third world. Many die in early infancy and babies may benefit from immunisation with a Pnc conjugate vaccine (PrevenarTM) at birth. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Insatiate of Medical Research; Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, will collaborate to closely examine the safety of this approach, particularly with regard to impact on the development of immunity and response to other vaccines given to infants. This study will also provide a unique opportunity for training of PNG and Australian scientists in both countries; transfer state-of-the-art immunological technology and stimulate further collaborations on respiratory infections in the region.Read moreRead less
Determination Of The Efficacy And Resistance Profile Of A Long Acting Neuraminidase Inhibitor Against Several Avian Infl
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,350.00
Summary
Recent events have again highlighted influenza�s potential to cause a worldwide pandemic or be used as an agent of biowarfare. As of August 2005, the highly pathogenic Avian Flu sweeping through Asia has infected 112 people, killing 57. Over 150 million chickens have been slaughtered in an attempt to stop its spread, but with infection documented in migratory birds, containment may be difficult if not impossible. Experts believe that it is only a matter of time before the Avian Flu virus is capa ....Recent events have again highlighted influenza�s potential to cause a worldwide pandemic or be used as an agent of biowarfare. As of August 2005, the highly pathogenic Avian Flu sweeping through Asia has infected 112 people, killing 57. Over 150 million chickens have been slaughtered in an attempt to stop its spread, but with infection documented in migratory birds, containment may be difficult if not impossible. Experts believe that it is only a matter of time before the Avian Flu virus is capable of human to human transmission which could result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Should a pandemic arise, either through purposely-engineered or natural processes such as avian influenza, effective vaccines are unlikely to be available for at least 3-6 months. In such an event, treatment of infection and prevention of spread through post-exposure prophylaxis would be optimal, while pre-exposure prophylaxis would be most suited to key personnel such as army, medical and emergency-response staff. Biota is a world leading antiviral drug discovery company based in Melbourne, Australia with key expertise in viral respiratory diseases, particularly influenza. Biota developed the first in class neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) drug, zanamivir (Relenza) and through a partnership with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) brought it to market. Biota also developed the FluOIA� for the rapid detection of Influenza A and B. Work has been underway at Biota for some time to develop a new generation of influenza drugs designed to be more active and longer acting than the first generation products. These long acting neuraminidase inhibitors (LANI) have the benefit of less frequent administration and a lower treatment dose making them an ideal choice for stockpiling. The proposed project aims to test the antiviral activity of LANI compound against the H5N1 influenza. The results of which could assist in a decision to fast track the clinical development of the compound with the aim of adding to the national stock pile of antivirals, thus helping Australia to prevent, prepare for and respond to a potential avian influenza-induced pandemic.Read moreRead less