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Commercialisation Of A Glycoprofiling Diagnostic Kit And Novel Therapies For Biofilm Related Respiratory Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$203,050.00
Summary
Our preliminary studies have shown that a group of patients who suffer from chronic inflammatory disease and have bacterial biofilm identified on their mucosa have worse outcomes even after surgery. We have shown that they lack certain small protein and sugar molecules on their respiratory lining. We aim to use this technology as a diagnostic tool to aid the doctor in prescribing the appropriate treatment for these patients to prevent bacteria regrowing in their respiratory tract.
Elucidating The Role And Potential For Therapeutic Targeting Of TLR7 In Emphysema And COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,780.00
Summary
Emphysema is a major cause of illness and death and there are no effective treatments. It is caused by smoking that damages the airways and air sacs but how this occurs is not well understood. We have found that a new factor, called Toll-like receptor 7, is involved in emphysema. In this study we will now characterise its roles in this disease, work out how it induces emphysema and test new inhibitors (antibodies) that we have developed as treatments.
Development Of New Therapies For Respiratory Diseases And Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$847,490.00
Summary
Prof Hansbro’s group have developed world 1st experimental models of emphysema, severe asthma infection and lung cancer. He uses them to further our understanding of these untreatable diseases. This has led to the development of new potential therapeutic approaches. Now, in discovery programs he will expand studies of pathogenesis to identify new therapeutic targets these diseases. In development and translational programs he will progress new therapies towards clinical application.
Increased Airway Smooth Muscle Mass As An Independent Determinant Of Asthma Pathogenesis And Severity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,966.00
Summary
Asthma is a major health burden to the community. The most common form of the disease is allergic asthma and it is thought that allergic inflammation drives associated airway abnormalities including increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. This study tests a new hypothesis that airway abnormalities and allergy have separate origins but combine to produce allergic asthma, and it’s the individuals with the greatest amount of ASM who develop clinically severe asthma.
Modifying Epigenetics As A Novel Treatment In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,122,854.00
Summary
Smoking leads to inflammation that causes emphysema, which is a major health problem. Once induced there is a progressive decline in health, which continues even after stopping smoking. There are no treatments that halt this decline. Recently smoking-induced changes in genes have been discovered that control inflammation. We may be able to reverse these changes and stop the induction and progression of emphysema. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating emphysema.
Functional Significance Of Subcellular Localisation Of Viral 3C Protease In Rhinovirus Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,513.00
Summary
Rhinovirus (RV) infections are the major cause of virus induced asthma attacks and common colds, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence of asthma is increasing worldwide with new strategies urgently needed to reduce RV-associated disease. We have observed RV 3C protease in the nuclear compartment of infected host cells and propose to determine its significance in RV pathogenesis with relevance to asthma therapies.
Amoxycillin For Persistent Nasal Discharge In Rural And Remote Aboriginal Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,738.00
Summary
Aboriginal children have the highest rates of acute and chronic respiratory diseases ever documented. While the underlying cause is socioeconomic disadvantage, the features of poverty that result in disease are not clear. Our current understanding of important risk factors like overcrowding, malnutrition and smoke exposure cannot completely explain the excessively high rates of disease seen in rural and remote Aboriginal communities. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical tri ....Aboriginal children have the highest rates of acute and chronic respiratory diseases ever documented. While the underlying cause is socioeconomic disadvantage, the features of poverty that result in disease are not clear. Our current understanding of important risk factors like overcrowding, malnutrition and smoke exposure cannot completely explain the excessively high rates of disease seen in rural and remote Aboriginal communities. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will measure the impact of antibiotic treatment on persistent nasal discharge and rates of transmission of bacterial respiratory pathogens. An innovative study design will test the efficacy of twice daily doses of amoxycillin on newly developed clinical and bacteriological outcome measures. Both the investigators and the Aboriginal community have considerable experience in conducting this type of research and are committed to using a cooperative model of clinical research to reduce disease burden. Ongoing training of Aboriginal health workers in the principles of clinical epidemiology is an essential component of this process. This study will make an important contribution to the medical literature. Despite the deaths of around 10,000 children children from acute respiratory infections each day, very little is known about how antibiotics affect the transmission of some of the principal causative organisms. This project will greatly assist the development of appropriate antibiotic prescribing practices in high-risk populations.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Arousal And Respiratory Control Factors In The Pathogenesis Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,924.00
Summary
Sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common breathing disorder in sleep characterized by repetitive closure of the collapsible portion of the throat with serious effects on sleep quality and health. Basic causes of OSA are still largely unknown. We will investigate waking responses to breathing load and related respiratory control factors that we believe may be fundamental causes of OSA, and potentially explain many features of OSA including worsening in light sleep and with increasing age.
A Novel Strategy Targeting Quorum Sensing Molecules And Catalase Function To Block Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Lung Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,118.00
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes serious infections, particularly in those with Cystic Fibrosis, immunocompromise, serious burns or long term catheters. We will use a unique strategy to target virulence factors that will assist in clearing acute infection, prevent establishment of new chronic infections, and potentially reduce severity of established chronic infections. It has the potential to make antibiotic therapy more effective and lessen the extent of antibiotic therapy required.