The majority of deaths from cancers are due to metastasis. MicroRNAs are gene regulators involved in shaping cellular properties and are known to control metastasis. My work will lead to understanding how the production of microRNAs in cancer cells is controlled, what the major functions of microRNAs are in cancer cells and the discovery of pathways that may be amenable to new forms of therapeutic intervention in cancer.
New genomic technologies are revolutionizing biological research. RNA-seq is a recently developed high-throughput sequencing technology that provides scientists with much more detail how genes are regulated and expressed than any earlier technology. New tools developed by Professor Gordon Smyth are allowing researchers to use RNA-Seq technology to more accurately determine which genes are genuinely changing in the development of cancers and in response to cancer treatments.
Meta-research: Using Research To Increase The Value Of Health And Medical Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Improving the return on investment in health and medical research will produce more and faster discoveries that enhance the lives of all Australians. Many problems in the research process are well known and have been pervasive for decades. I will use the research process to improve the research process. I will improve Australia's health and medical research workforce and the quality of the research they produce, creating benefits in multiple fields that last long into the future.
Innovations In Cancer Imaging And Targeted Radiotherapy To Improve Human Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$926,980.00
Summary
Through a process of discovery, development and investigation we will create medical devices and methods to improve cancer imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Successful completion of this program will directly impact on the treatment and lives of Australian cancer patients in the foreseeable future.This program will substantially build research capacity and productivity within Australia, raise Australia’s profile in cancer research and foster international collaboration.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Improving Detection Of Patients At Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$838,845.00
Summary
Sudden cardiac death accounts for ~10% of deaths in our community. Many of these deaths occur in people who could otherwise have had many more years of productive life ahead of them. The aim of our research is to determine the underlying mechanisms so that we can develop better tools for detecting underlying problems before they become life threatening and potentially develop new treatments to modify the underlying causes.
We recently established the Centre for Neurogenetics and Statistical Genomics, a research centre within the Queensland Brain Institute. It was established to bring together a team of researchers with expertise in neurogenetics, neuropsychiatric genetics, statistical genomics and computational biology. During my Fellowship I will conduct research at this Centre to elucidate the genetic basis of neurogenetic diseases and psychiatric disorders, using genomic tools and data analysis.
Growing The Evidence Base For Improved Outcomes In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
One in eight Australians has kidney disease, and is at increased risk of kidney failure, heart disease and stroke, and premature death. Despite this, very few treatments have been proven to be be effective at improving these outcomes. Professor Perkovic will undertake a suite of high-quality randomised trials and systematic reviews that will reliably identify new treatment approaches that will result in better quality and quantity of life for the millions of Australians affected by kidney diseas ....One in eight Australians has kidney disease, and is at increased risk of kidney failure, heart disease and stroke, and premature death. Despite this, very few treatments have been proven to be be effective at improving these outcomes. Professor Perkovic will undertake a suite of high-quality randomised trials and systematic reviews that will reliably identify new treatment approaches that will result in better quality and quantity of life for the millions of Australians affected by kidney diseaseRead moreRead less
I lead an internationally recognised research program that examines how governments can best respond to alcohol and illegal drugs – a significant health and social problem in Australia. My research generates new evidence to inform drug policy and I study how to translate research into meaningful information that governments can use. My aim is to improve how Australia responds; reducing the community harms and improving the health of those affected by alcohol and drugs.
Transformed Drug Policies: Integrating Empirical Evidence With Participatory Democracy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,370.00
Summary
In my 5 year research fellowship I will lead internationally relevant research on better policy options for illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, heroin and cannabis. Drug policy can be driven by politics and the media, rather than research evidence. I will generate a cutting edge and fresh perspective with an agile approach to new research that takes into account the rapidly changing field of drug policy. This will provide policy makers with a new framework for evidence-based policy reforms.
Translation Of Genetic Findings Into Improved Health Outcomes For Common Eye Diseases In Our Society
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,736.00
Summary
Associate Professor Paul Baird of the Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne specialises in identifying and understanding how genetic changes are involved in causing the commonest causes of vision loss and blindness in our society including age related macular degeneration, short-sightedness and glaucoma. His Fellowship will be used to better understand how genes and environment cause these diseases, allowing translation of findings intto new and improved treatments for patie ....Associate Professor Paul Baird of the Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne specialises in identifying and understanding how genetic changes are involved in causing the commonest causes of vision loss and blindness in our society including age related macular degeneration, short-sightedness and glaucoma. His Fellowship will be used to better understand how genes and environment cause these diseases, allowing translation of findings intto new and improved treatments for patients.Read moreRead less