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Functional Assessment Of Bioenergetic Defects In Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a degenerative, hereditary disorder which affects the legs. Currently there are no treatments that target the disease process. We seek to identify the genes responsible for this condition in a group of Australian patients. Cell samples obtained from these patients will be tested for energy defects. We hope to improve our understanding of the underlying disease processes in order to find new ways to prevent, treat and cure this condition.
Identifying Genetic Risk Factors And Elucidating The Underlying Mechanism(s) Of Parkinsons Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,855.00
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1% of people over 65. This innovative research seeks to discover new genetic risk factors that affect disease development. This provides the capability for genetic screening to identify individuals at risk for PD so preventative measures can be employed at an earlier stage. This information will also provide insights as to how the disease occurs and suggest drug targets to improve current partially effective therapy.
Investigation Of The Functional Role Of Parkin And PArkin Co-Regulated Gene (PACRG) In Neurodegenerative Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting greater than 1% of the population at 65 years of age. Current treatment regimes treat the motor-associated symptoms of disease - tremor and muscle rigidity. There is no cure, or effective treatment to reverse or halt disease progression. Understanding the role of dysregulated proteins in the progression of PD will identify new targets for treatment of the motor and cognitive deficits observed in PD-affected individuals.
The Characterisation Of The Mechanism Of Beta Amyloid Toxicity In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,430.00
Summary
Alzheimer�s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the beta amyloid peptide (A_) found in plaques in the brain. A structural transition to aggregated/ oligomeric forms of A_ is accompanied by a gain of toxicity. In this study the biological and biophysical characterisation of a variety of A_ peptides will be performed. The study will also use oligomers from cell culture media and brain tissue that have been influential in AD research but poorly characterised.
Predictive And Prognostic Factors From The Tumour Microenvironment In Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,378.00
Summary
While most of the current treatments available are directed against cancerous tumour cells, there is increasing evidence that other factors within the tumour mass (or tumour microenvironment) may have an impact on prognosis. These factors include the lack of tissue oxygen and the immune response mounted by the body against the tumour cells. The impact of these factors on prognosis and their association with microRNAs (small RNA fragments which control protein production) will be investigated.
Biomarkers Of Phenotype, Prognosis And Response To Therapy In Pancreatic Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,845.00
Summary
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in our society. This research is aimed at the discovery of novel biomarkers with the ability to forecast prognosis and response to treatments in patients with PC. Ultimately, this will lead to the “individualisation” of the treatment for each patient, so that the most appropriate therapy could be given to an individual patient. This would significantly improve the overall survival and the quality of life for patients.
The Role Of FHL Proteins In The Pathology Of Muscular Dystrophies: Identification Of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,355.00
Summary
Scientists at Monash University have recently identified a protein called FHL1 which promotes skeletal muscle repair-growth and may reverse the muscle degeneration seen in inherited muscular dystrophies. This study will investigate whether FHL1 expression can improve muscle mass in mouse models of muscular dystropy. In doing so, this research improve out understanding of the molecular processes that cause muscular dystrophies and thereby lead the way to new therapies for this family of diseases.