Engagement in early childhood education in the context of disadvantage. This research responds to enduring inequalities in children’s participation in high quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). Contemporary families face precarious labour markets and a childcare system with stringent workforce participation requirements. This project will illuminate the affordances of everyday life for families most challenged by these emergent conditions and develop understandings of how to calibr ....Engagement in early childhood education in the context of disadvantage. This research responds to enduring inequalities in children’s participation in high quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). Contemporary families face precarious labour markets and a childcare system with stringent workforce participation requirements. This project will illuminate the affordances of everyday life for families most challenged by these emergent conditions and develop understandings of how to calibrate services accordingly. Findings will support universal ECEC access through knowledge translation about contemporary disadvantage to policy and practice forums. A strong Indigenous component contributes to researcher training and knowledge about effective practice for Indigenous children and their families.Read moreRead less
Diseases of the 21st century are complex with environmental and genetic causes. At the interface of these is Epigenetics - factors not specified by DNA sequence that control genes. Recent data show much of the risk associated with disease is set early in life, even during the time in the womb. The MCRI CDDE laboratory has assembled teams of researchers of diverse expertise investigating epigenetics of human development and complex disease to hopefully prevent or reverse them early in life.
Role Of SPPL2A On B Cell Survival And Antibody Production In Mice And Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,989.00
Summary
B lymphocytes are a specialised type of blood cells that produce antibodies in response to a pathogen or a vaccine. We have recently discovered that all mature B cells depend for their survival on a previously unknown protein called SPPL2A. This application will investigate the molecular mechanism through which SPPL2A contributes to the survival of B cells. We will also investigate if humans with currently unexplained B cell deficiency have mutations in SPPL2A.
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,477.00
Summary
Ross River virus and chikungunya virus cause muscle and joint pain that can persist for a long time. This project looks at factors in the human host that affect the disease severity, with the aim of finding new treatments.
Mental Health Of Young People With Developmental Disabilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,622,916.00
Summary
Mental health problems of people with developmental disabilities are a substantial public health problem. A large Australian study shows that the problem begins early and persists without intervention. We will evaluate the Stepping Stones Triple P model of parenting early intervention after adding newly developed modules for specific causes of ID. The effectiveness of the program across three states will be evaluated.
Rural-Urban Migration in China and Indonesia: Patterns, Consequences and Policy Intervention. China and Indonesia are two of Australia's most important neighbours. Their process of economic development and the social and political stability have tremendous impact on Australia's economic performance and prosperity. Assisting China and Indonesia to effectively manage the unprecedented large scale rural-urban migration is consistent with Australia's own interest. This project will lead to important ....Rural-Urban Migration in China and Indonesia: Patterns, Consequences and Policy Intervention. China and Indonesia are two of Australia's most important neighbours. Their process of economic development and the social and political stability have tremendous impact on Australia's economic performance and prosperity. Assisting China and Indonesia to effectively manage the unprecedented large scale rural-urban migration is consistent with Australia's own interest. This project will lead to important policy analyses that help the effective and efficient allocation of Australia's development aid budget. It will also build research and policy collaborations and cross-fertilisation amongst Australian government agencies, the Chinese government agencies in Indonesia as well as domestic and international research institutes.Read moreRead less
Young children in digital society: An Online Tool for service provision . This project aims to identify the practices enacted and shared amongst young children, their families and educators in digital society.The project is significant because in digital society families and educators face new demands ensuring technologies are used in the best interests of young children. Knowledge about practices in digital society informs adult decision-making using technologies with, by and for young children ....Young children in digital society: An Online Tool for service provision . This project aims to identify the practices enacted and shared amongst young children, their families and educators in digital society.The project is significant because in digital society families and educators face new demands ensuring technologies are used in the best interests of young children. Knowledge about practices in digital society informs adult decision-making using technologies with, by and for young children in the early years. The outcome is a new Online Tool for the Partner Organisations to share exemplar practices benefiting Australian children, their families and educators with new resources, materials and programs in areas including: digital media production, cyber-safety education, digital play and digital parenting.
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The Role And Inheritance Of Constitutional Epimutations In Early-onset Colorectal Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,551.00
Summary
Traditionally familial cancers are thought to be caused by spelling mistakes within the genetic code of cancer prevention genes. Our group has found that chemical attachments to one gene (MLH1) stops it working, even where there is no spelling mistake, and that those chemical changes can be inherited in families with bowel cancer. We will determine how frequently this type of defect occurs in bowel cancer patients, how and why it arises, and if other cancer genes are similarly affected.
'Digital Natives': Growing up with new and old media in Australia. Developing a sophisticated digital literacy is important for both the future of children, the cultural, social and economic well-being of the nation. Digital literacy requires not only communications infrastructure but targeted investment in human skills. Investing in the development of a digitally literate Australian population has become an explicit means for promoting the future economic and social well-being of the nation. Th ....'Digital Natives': Growing up with new and old media in Australia. Developing a sophisticated digital literacy is important for both the future of children, the cultural, social and economic well-being of the nation. Digital literacy requires not only communications infrastructure but targeted investment in human skills. Investing in the development of a digitally literate Australian population has become an explicit means for promoting the future economic and social well-being of the nation. The information provided by this project has the potential to contribute significantly to giving children 'a healthy start to life' in their early years. Read moreRead less