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.
The Role Of Brain Inflammation In Leptin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,123.00
Summary
Melanocortin neurons control body weight and are regulated by leptin. In obesity leptin cannot regulate the melanocortin system. We will test if leptin action on melanocortin neurons is limited by increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) in obese mice. As an alternative we will test if there are changes in the blood brain barrier, or an increased density of support and immune cells around melanocortin neurons of obese mice that might restrict inputs to these neurons.
Does Obesity Have The Characteristics Of Addiction?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,832.00
Summary
The number of overweight or obese people in Australia has increased dramatically in recent years, increasing disease risk. The brain responds to palatable food in ways similar to the response to drugs of addiction, and this may explain why people find it hard to resist palatable food. Our work will explore whether obesity in rats has the characteristics of addiction by examining bingeing, craving, withdrawal and brain circuits in animals chronically exposed to palatable food.
Obesity And Atrial Fibrillation: Arrhythmogenic Effects Of Generalised And Localised Adiposity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,514.00
Summary
Obesity is a growing epidemic in Australia. Whilst it is well known that obesity has many detrimental cardiovascular effects, our understanding of how it affects the electrical conduction system of the heart remains incomplete. The present study will characterise both the relationship between generalised obesity and heart rhythm disorders, and also the relevance of differing fat deposits - such as the fat layer around the heart _ on the electrical conduction system of the heart.
A Consumer-centred Intervention Designed To Improve Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours And Weight Management In Preconception Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Healthy weight before conception plays a crucial role in the health of future generations. Identifying unique preconception groups of women who are most likely to respond to and engage with health promotion programs will improve effectiveness of obesity prevention initiatives. This research will inform and develop a tailored preconception health promotion program that will address both individual and population needs- Australia’s first consumer-centred approach to preconception health promotion.
Cardiometabolic Risk Trajectories From Childhood To Midlife: Finding Pathways To Better Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,531,987.00
Summary
Using data from a large cohort of Australian children followed for over 30 years, this study will investigate how weight status and physical fitness from childhood to adulthood determine early markers of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (cardiometabolic disease) in midlife. It will provide much needed evidence to address the high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease risk factors in young Australians through better targeted disease prevention and early clinical intervention strategies.
Public Health Communication Strategies To Reduce Population Smoking Prevalence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,300.00
Summary
This research program will investigate the potential for and impact of advanced tobacco control policies in reducing population smoking prevalence. My research will assess the effects of tobacco taxation, further tobacco marketing restrictions and mass communication strategies on smoking attitudes and behaviours. I will also extend the methods and measures I have developed in tobacco control to improve health communication in obesity prevention and alcohol harm prevention.
The Effect Of Whole Body Vibration Training On Insulin Sensitivity In Overweight Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,377.00
Summary
Obesity in children and adolescents is often associated with high insulin levels. Adolescents with high untreated insulin levels are likely to get Type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise can improve obesity and reduce the high insulin levels. Exercise makes muscle which allows uptake of sugars more easily and this decreases insulin levels. We plan to see if whole body vibration training will lower insulin levels by increasing muscle size; thereby preventing Type 2 diabetes and complications.
Understanding And Addressing Socioeconomic Inequalities In Diet, Physical Activity And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
Obesity is one of Australia's most significant public health problems, and is particularly prevalent amongst people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage (e.g. with low education levels or low incomes). Currently the most effective means of addressing this increased risk is unknown. The proposed research will directly address this evidence gap by generating new knowledge on the causes of and effective strategies for reducing socioeconomic inequalities in diet, physical activity and obesity.
Reducing consumption of sugary drinks (or sugar-sweetened beverages) would improve the healthiness of young Australians’ diets. Young Australians drink sugary drinks in high quantities, and they contribute a lot of ‘empty calories’ to the diet. They are also known to cause tooth decay, obesity and diabetes. This study will test the effectiveness of consumer information/warning labels on drink containers in reducing the purchase of SSBs.
Preventing Obesity And Promoting Healthy Body Image In Australian Secondary Schools: A Web-based System Tailored To Individual Needs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,320,398.00
Summary
This study will test an individually tailored body image and weight management program. The program is delivered online to students in early secondary school and builds on our partnership with Stanford University adapting internet programs for use in Australia. Staying Fit Australia gives individual guidance about concerns and attitudes to weight and shape, nutrition and physical activity. The program aims to prevent obesity and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity in all adolescents.