I am a genetic epidemiologist focused on bowel cancer risk. I will develop a comprehensive model to estimate individual cancer risk by studying the effects of personal characteristics, cancer history, genetic factors and family history of cancer using large data sets from international consortia I helped establish. My research will enable targeting of screening to those most at risk and will aid the discovery of new causes for bowel cancer.
Professor Whiteman is a medical epidemiologist with interests in the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer. His fellowship will be directed towards research focussing on methods for controlling cancers of the skin and oesophagus.
It is self-evident that people should be able to go to work and know that their work is not giving them cancer. Despite modern health and safety laws, about 5000 Australians a year contract cancer related to their previous work exposures. My research provides evidence to link chemical and other exposures at work with later cancer development. I also develop new methods to accurately assess past exposure to chemicals. The aim of my research is to make the workplace safer.
Research Fellowship – Genetic Epidemiology Studies Of Hormonal Cancers To Inform Improved Healthcare
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,209.00
Summary
This study aims to identify genetic factors that influence the development of endometrial and other cancers, and to develop statistical and laboratory methods that can better determine if variation in a known cancer gene is disease-causing. The results will be used to identify and prioritise individuals at greatest risk of cancer for the most appropriate clinical management. Discovery of novel cancer genes will improve our understanding of disease development to develop future therapies.
I am a public health physician and medical parasitologist determining the mechanism of clinical immunity to malaria, and working on the development of vaccines and therapies against malaria.
Harnessing Multiple Large Datasets To Answer Critical Questions On Diabetes Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
This proposal will examine novel causes and consequences of diabetes using three approaches. Firstly, it will examine diabetes trends. Secondly, it will use the Australian Diabetes Registry linked to several key government database to explore important research questions, related to diabetes treatment, dementia and endstage kidney disease, which previously were not able to be answered. Thirdly, it will examine the role of environmental pollutants in the development of chronic disease.
Advancing Aboriginal Australian Oral Health Through Intervention Studies, Longitudinal Studies, Modelling And Surveillance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians experience worse oral health than their non-Indigenous counterparts. This Fellowship aims to advance Aboriginal Australian oral health through intervention studies, longitudinal studies, modelling & surveillance. The fellowship will capitalise on past collaborations with local, national and international researchers of repute, and seek to forge new partnerships that will be of benefit to Indigenous oral health at a global level.
Research To Reduce Cognitive Decline And Optimise Ageing Well
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,300.00
Summary
My research program will deliver research outcomes that will improve the quality of life for older Australians, increase the life-span spent in productivity (as opposed to dependency) and reduce health-care costs. I will conduct interventions to improve the skill of older drivers so they can remain independent, and interventions to reduce cognitive decline and risk of dementia. My work will provide information and interventions for middle-aged and older adults, enabling them to age well.
Large Scale Data For Common, Potentially Modifiable Causes Of Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,656.00
Summary
Large-scale cohort studies, that follow the health of a large proportion of the general population over time, have enormous potential to inform disease prevention and the optimal use of health services. The planned research will use large scale cohort study data, linked to data on health outcomes and use of health services to provide much needed evidence on Indigenous health, safety of medicines and healthy ageing.