High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes ....High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes include computational models of how the most infectious viral variants emerge and spread in presence of interventions, how to predict the outbreaks, and which are the most vulnerable communities. This should make a significant economic and social impact, improving population health while maintaining a resilient economy.Read moreRead less
Quantifying emergence and dynamics of foodborne epidemics in Australia. The project aims to greatly improve the accuracy and scope of computational epidemiological models predicting emergence and evolution of foodborne diseases in Australia. It expects to reveal key pathways for both biological evolution of microorganisms, and their spread though food supply chains and human interactions. The intended outcomes include discovering how the most dominant strains of foodborne infection emerge and se ....Quantifying emergence and dynamics of foodborne epidemics in Australia. The project aims to greatly improve the accuracy and scope of computational epidemiological models predicting emergence and evolution of foodborne diseases in Australia. It expects to reveal key pathways for both biological evolution of microorganisms, and their spread though food supply chains and human interactions. The intended outcomes include discovering how the most dominant strains of foodborne infection emerge and self-organise in complex networks, how to predict and contain the epidemics closer to their source, and which are the most vulnerable groups and communities. This should make a significant economic and social impact, improving health of the population, while also safeguarding national and international supply chains.Read moreRead less
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It leads to long-term impairments in quality of life and has a 40% higher mortality rate compared with the general population. We know surprisingly little about the causes of Graves’ disease. One possible trigger is stressful life events; however, the relationship is yet to be proven. This study will assess whether stressful life events, specifically military deployment, are associated with Graves’ disease.
AusDiab 3: Emerging Risk Factors For And Long-term Incidence Of Cardio-metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,616,397.00
Summary
This study will track 11,000 Australian adults over 12 years to determine how many develop diabetes, obesity, kidney and heart disease. The study will develop ways to best predict those who are going to develop these conditions before they have arisen, and will explore a range of novel risk factors to better understand these conditions.
Optimising Large-scale Public Health Interventions To Control Neglected Tropical Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are a group of health conditions that affect the poorest of the poor, particularly in remote and rural areas. They affect the most vulnerable communities and cause substantial, chronic health harms impairing personal and social development. Several debilitating NTD are common in remote indigenous communities and Pacific islands. I propose a series of studies to investigate new strategies to control NTD in large populations where these diseases are endemic.
Development Of Early Warning Systems For Dengue Fever Based On Socio-ecological Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$327,402.00
Summary
Global climate change has potentially serious effects on the transmission of dengue. An early warning system (EWS) based on socio-ecological factors will be developed to examine where and when outbreaks of dengue are likely to occur and how the future dengue control strategies and prevention efforts need to be applied and strengthened in Australia. This project will provide a platform for future research on developing and implementing an EWS for dengue in the Asia-Pacific region.
Exploiting Existing Data Sources To Improve The Prevention And Treatment Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,490.00
Summary
My program of research exploits several large databases to answer important issues in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which makes a huge contribution to the burden of illness and premature mortality in Australia. An underlying aim is to provide the evidence base to facilitate improvement of the existing CVD risk assessment guidelines in Australia, for better targeting of clinical advice and treatment.
Although the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases have been known for decades, and modern-day treatment is much advanced, the importance of these diseases persists, such that they remain the number one killer in Australia. This suggests that more can be done to correctly identify those at high and moderate risk of future disease, so as to optimize advice and medical treatment. This project will use the best evidence available to develop new methods of risk prediction and prevention.
Predicting The Impact Of Current Obesity And Diabetes Trends On Future Prevalence Of Cardiovascular Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$222,762.00
Summary
Obesity and diabetes are both strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease. As their prevalence has more than doubled over the past decades we need to know the likely effect on future rates of cardiovascular disease. Here we propose to create projection models for cardiovascular disease in Australia to estimate the future impact of trends in obesity and diabetes.