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The Central Role Of The Osteocyte In Skeletal Pathophysiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
Bone diseases affect more people than any other group, carry a huge and growing socioeconomic cost, yet their aetiologies are not fully determined. This study will elucidate the role of the resident bone cell, the osteocyte, in prevalent bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and related orthopaedic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, bone cancer, and in systemic metabolism. The goal is to provide the knowledge and mechanisms for developing improved treatments and patient outcomes.
Identifying Novel Susceptibility Loci For Osteoporosis Through Whole Genome Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,969.00
Summary
Our highly successful genome-wide studies of bone mineral density (a risk factor for osteoporosis) have highlighted 60 loci relevant to the disease. However, a substantial amount of genetic variance remains unexplained. This project will focus on less common variants that have larger effect sizes and are relevant to osteoporosis, but are not well studied by approaches such as high-density SNP arrays and genome-wide association studies.
Investigating The Psychosocial And Socioeconomic Predictors Of Osteoporosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is ranked the 7th national health priority, in recognition of the enormous impact on quality of life and greater risk of mortality following osteoporotic fracture. With few exceptions, socially disadvantaged individuals tend to have poorer health outcomes. However, little is known of psychosocial and socioeconomic determinants of osteoporosis, and barriers to preventive healthcare. This project will inform future health promotion messages targeted toward those most at risk.
Osteoporosis is the commonest metabolic bone disease worldwide, and costs Australia >1% of GDP. It is a strongly inherited disease. We recently completed a genome-wide association study in 2000 postmenopausal women with either very high or very low bone density, and identified many genes contributing to BMD. The current study aims to use next-generation sequencing to study these women in greater genetic depth, aiming to identify more clearly the exact genetic determinants of bone mass.
Bisphosphonate Therapy With Zoledronate Or Tenofovir Switching To Improve Low Bone Mineral Density In HIV-Infected Adults: A Strategic, Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,300.00
Summary
Most HIV+ Australians receive tenofovir, a ‘preferred’ drug in all HIV treatment guidelines, and may do for decades, as HIV therapy is lifelong and because there are very few new HIV drugs. 40% of HIV+ adults have low bone density and HIV+ adults experience more fractures. Of all HIV drugs, tenofovir causes the most bone loss. This trial compares two approaches: a drug to improve bone density and switching tenofovir to another drug. This ‘treat versus switch’ approach is a world-first for HIV.