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 EphA2 Signalling And Environmental Modifiers In Cataract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,547.00
Summary
In cataract the clear lens in the eye becomes opaque causing blindness. Cataract is very common in the elderly, but is rarely also seen in babies and children. In babies certain gene defects, and in the elderly the genes and environmental factors contribute to cataract. The EPHA2 gene causes cataract in both young and old people. This project aims to understand how EPHA2 and other related genes cause cataract in young and old people, to prevent, delay or improve its treatment in the future.
For Every Question, There Is An Answer: Application Of Genomic Sequencing And Functional Genomics For Disease Gene Discovery In Children With Orphan Phenotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,682.00
Summary
My PhD study will look closely at the genes in a family to see what is different and whether this difference is the cause of rare health problems. I will focus on children with highly unique conditions in which intellectual disability/developmental delay is a key feature. My study is important because if I can find the exact cause of rare genetic conditions, then I hope to improve the welfare of patients and families affected by these types of conditions.
Gene Discovery And Pathobiology In Muscle Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
I aim to find the genetic causes of muscle diseases that are lethal or severely debilitating. These diseases result in a significant burden to the affected individuals and their families and also on Australia’s Health care system. A genetic diagnosis provides families with answers, allows family planning, such that couples do not have another affected child, enables appropriate clinical management and gives researchers evidence as to how to develop treatments.
Functional Analysis Of Recently Identified Novel Glaucoma Genes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,918.00
Summary
Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Recently, through genetic studies in cohorts of blinding glaucoma cases from Australia, our group has found that variants in two genes increase the risk of blinding glaucoma. This project will investigate how these genes contribute to pathological changes in the optic nerve and retina, at the back of the eye, that lead to glaucoma. This knowledge will be useful for developing new strategies to treat glaucoma.
Membrane Attachment And Components Of The Ca2+ -triggered Release Mechanism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,498.00
Summary
Understanding and harnessing the fundamental cellular process of secretion will provide a wealth of new approaches to addressing problems associated with aging & disorders that are major health care burdens (e.g. neurodegeneration & diabetes). Understanding the vesicle docked state, and the contributions of different molecular components to the release process provides for unique insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms, thereby enabling safe, targeted control of this critical process.
Using Modelling To Evaluate STI Epidemiology Control Strategies And Investigate Chlamydial Within-host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,250.00
Summary
This research will further our understanding of the mechanisms that give rise to the development of Chlamydia within a cell and how it causes disease, ultimately providing targets for drug-vaccine design. This project will also design and evaluate epidemic control strategies to inform policy makers for reducing the incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. These applications are addressed by developing mathematical models, biophysical theory, and statistical analyses.
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.
Repeat Expansions In Neurological Disease: Discovery, Interpretation And Enhanced Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$889,937.00
Summary
Identifying the mutation or genetic cause of disease in an individual is the first step in the provision of appropriate clinical care and treatment. This diagnostic process is being revolutionised through the ability to sequence the entire human genome in a time and cost effective manner. This project will enable identification of novel and known repeat expansion using whole genome sequencing, providing rapid diagnoses and better clinical care for individuals with neurogenetic disorders.
Elucidating The Pathological Role And Predictive Value Of Mental Health Disorder Risk Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and depression are common and often debilitating conditions. The genes in our DNA play a large role in who develops these disorders and many risk genes have been identified. We will investigate when and how these risk genes are “switched on” to work out how they cause disease and to accurately predict who is at high risk of developing a mental health disorder. These advances will help us to understand disease causation and to improve treatments.
Clarifying The Clinical Application And Mechanisms Of Pedunculopontine Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation For Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$202,320.00
Summary
Over 64,000 Australians have Parkinson’s disease. Most patients with Parkinson’s disease ultimately develop gait ‘freezing’ and poor balance, which impair quality of life and cause falls. Unfortunately, gait freezing and poor balance often don’t improve with conventional treatments. We are therefore helping to develop a new treatment for these symptoms, which involves implanting a pacemaker into a very deep region in the brain called the “Pedunculopontine Nucleus’.