ARDC Research Link Australia Research Link Australia   BETA Research
Link
Australia
  • ARDC Newsletter Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About
  • Feedback
  • Explore Collaborations
2026 ARDC Annual Survey is now open!

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.

Take Survey Now

Thank you.

  • Researcher
  • Funded Activity
  • Organisation
  • Researcher
  • Funded Activity
  • Organisation
  • Researcher
  • Funded Activity
  • Organisation

Need help searching? View our Search Guide.

Advanced Search

Current Selection
Research Topic : infant development
Scheme : NHMRC Strategic Awards
Status : Closed
Clear All
Filter by Field of Research
Public Health and Health Services (5)
Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified (2)
Central Nervous System (1)
Immunology (1)
Indigenous Health (1)
Infectious Diseases (1)
Medical Biotechnology (1)
Medical and Health Sciences (1)
Nutritional science (1)
Filter by Socio-Economic Objective
Search did not return any results.
Filter by Funding Provider
National Health and Medical Research Council (14)
Filter by Status
Closed (14)
Filter by Scheme
NHMRC Strategic Awards (14)
Filter by Country
Australia (4)
Filter by Australian State/Territory
VIC (3)
ACT (2)
NSW (1)
NT (1)
WA (1)
  • Researchers (0)
  • Funded Activities (14)
  • Organisations (30)
  • Funded Activity

    Environmental Influences In The Establishment Of The Epigenetic Landscape In Children

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $695,097.00
    Summary
    The DNA in each of our cells does not exist alone, it is packaged into complex structures called chromosomes, through association with many different proteins. The distribution of these proteins varies along the length of a chromosome depending on the type of cell and this phenomenon is called 'epigenetics', literally meaning 'above the DNA'. Epigenetic analysis is the study of how proteins and other molecules can change the activity of a gene without changing the DNA sequence. All of our cells .... The DNA in each of our cells does not exist alone, it is packaged into complex structures called chromosomes, through association with many different proteins. The distribution of these proteins varies along the length of a chromosome depending on the type of cell and this phenomenon is called 'epigenetics', literally meaning 'above the DNA'. Epigenetic analysis is the study of how proteins and other molecules can change the activity of a gene without changing the DNA sequence. All of our cells use epigenetic changes to help control how they grow and develop. Evidence suggests a direct link between diet and environmental influences on our epigenetic profile. Recent research has traced the origins of many of the health problems of adult life back to the earliest periods of development _ to the time spent in the womb and the first few years of life. If we are born with a low birth weight, we are more likely to get sick later in life. Overwhelming evidence exists that the environment in the womb is critical for a healthy birth weight (and health in later life) and it is thought that epigenetics may be the missing link between this environment, low birth weight, and therefore health in later life. In addition, mounting evidence supports a general link between epigenetic de-regulation and predisposition to disease. However, the timing and the overall contribution of environmental- genetic influences to the establishment of faulty epigenetic markings remain largely unknown. Twins are the best model to study this link as they share similar (but not identical environments) and some share identical genetic makeup. Using twins, Dr Jeffrey Craig and his team will investigate the factors in the prenatal environment that modify specific cells, leading to low birth weight and increase disease risk later in life. They predict that this occurs via specific changes in gene activity caused by epigenetic disruption.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Mental Health Across Generations: Pre-and Post Conception Predicators Of Early Life Risks

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $666,231.00
    Summary
    In 2003, mental illnesses were among the ten leading causes of disease burden in Australia, accounting for 13% of the total burden of disease, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Mental health problems and mental illness are among the greatest causes of disability, diminished quality of life, and reduced productivity. People affected by mental health problems often have high levels of morbidity and mortality, experiencing poorer general health and higher rates of death f .... In 2003, mental illnesses were among the ten leading causes of disease burden in Australia, accounting for 13% of the total burden of disease, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Mental health problems and mental illness are among the greatest causes of disability, diminished quality of life, and reduced productivity. People affected by mental health problems often have high levels of morbidity and mortality, experiencing poorer general health and higher rates of death from a range of causes, including suicide. These conditions are significant in terms of prevalence and disease burden, and have far-reaching impacts for families, carers and others in the community. Mental health problems commonly cluster in families. However, few studies have previously been able to investigate the range of ways in which mental disorders may pass from one generation to another. Further, evidence suggests that influences that arise prior to conception may have major effects on early life risks such as development in utero, birth outcomes and early maternal infant bonding. Mental Health across Generations: Pre- and post-conception predictors of early life risks is a unique study that will examine antenatal maternal mental health and risk behaviours during pregnancy. The study will also examine the links between prior maternal mental health and later birth outcomes, and post natal maternal infant bonding. The risk processes to be tested will include genetic, epigenetic (changes in gene expression), physiological and psycho-social parameters.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    1+1- A Healthy Start To Life:Targeting The Year Before And The Year After Birth In Aboriginal Children In Remote Areas

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $587,272.00
    Summary
    Indigenous Australians in remote communities are less healthy and more socially disadvantaged than other Australians. This influences the quality of the intrauterine environment. Babies often suffer malnutrition and recurring infections during infancy which are exacerbated by their less than optimal birth status and contribute to chronic conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal failure) in adulthood. Existing health services are costly to Government and do not achieve their potential .... Indigenous Australians in remote communities are less healthy and more socially disadvantaged than other Australians. This influences the quality of the intrauterine environment. Babies often suffer malnutrition and recurring infections during infancy which are exacerbated by their less than optimal birth status and contribute to chronic conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal failure) in adulthood. Existing health services are costly to Government and do not achieve their potential for promoting health and providing quality care. Evidence suggests redesigned models based on continuity of care, focused, proactive family support and workload reform will improve maternal and infant outcomes. New models need to be developed, costed, implemented and evaluated providing governments with the evidence base to initiate service improvement. Such models will have applicability elsewhere in Australia. Professor Lesley Barclay and her team of researchers from Charles Darwin University will conduct research into developing such a model. The project aims to improve the quality of care for remote dwelling Aboriginal women and infants in the year before, during and the year after birth by providing evidence for, and facilitating changes to, service delivery. This will enhance the potential for the development of resilience and well-being of their children. It will also test if service improvements can improve the health of women and reduce childhood disease and therefore reduce the impact of health conditions occurring in adulthood which have their origins in the early stages of life.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Early Intervention To Prevent Childhood Obesity Among A Disadvantaged Population: A Home-based Randomised Controlled Tri

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $675,082.00
    Summary
    This intervention research will conduct a randomised controlled trial, of a community-based early childhood home visiting intervention designed to improve family and behavioural risk factors for childhood obesity and overweight. This intervention which will be developed in collaboration with the Health Promotion Unit, Child and Family Health Nurses, university academic experts and mothers in the community promises to deliver significant health and social benefits, in particular, preventing early .... This intervention research will conduct a randomised controlled trial, of a community-based early childhood home visiting intervention designed to improve family and behavioural risk factors for childhood obesity and overweight. This intervention which will be developed in collaboration with the Health Promotion Unit, Child and Family Health Nurses, university academic experts and mothers in the community promises to deliver significant health and social benefits, in particular, preventing early onset of childhood obesity. It will result in a series of recommendations for policies and practical methods for promoting healthy feeding and physical activity of infants under two years of age with particular application to families who are socially and economically disadvantaged. These policies and practical methods for preventing childhood obesity could be used across Australia.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Chimeric Virus-like Particles (VLPs) Displaying H1, H3 And H5 Haemagglutinins - Construction And Immunogenicity

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $207,543.00
    Summary
    Virus-like particles (VLPs) provoke strong immune responses in the body. We have developed a novel VLP system that allows the production of VLPs containing foreign vaccine antigens of much larger size than previously possible, and have shown that these VLPs provoke strong immune responses in mice without the use of adjuvants. The capacity of these VLPs is large enough to accommodate the most important vaccine antigen of influenza, the haemagglutinin (HA) molecule. We will test whether VLPs can b .... Virus-like particles (VLPs) provoke strong immune responses in the body. We have developed a novel VLP system that allows the production of VLPs containing foreign vaccine antigens of much larger size than previously possible, and have shown that these VLPs provoke strong immune responses in mice without the use of adjuvants. The capacity of these VLPs is large enough to accommodate the most important vaccine antigen of influenza, the haemagglutinin (HA) molecule. We will test whether VLPs can be produced containing each of the three most important HA types _ H1 and H3 that are currently circulating in man, and H5 (avian) that is considered a pandemic threat. VLPs will be tested for their ability to induce neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses in mice, and for their ability to protect ferrets from influenza infection. If successful, the HA-VLP system would provide a method for the rapid production of new influenza vaccines using large-scale fermentation technology as for hepatitis B and many other vaccines, rather than eggs or cell culture as used for current influenza vaccines.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    The Impact On Diabetes Risk Factors Of Pre & Post Traditional Lean Meat And Exercixe Interventions

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $44,040.00
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Assessment Of Alpha-galactosylceramide As A Novel Adjuvant For Pandemic Influenza: A Virua Vaccine

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $220,042.00
    Summary
    The occurrence of human infections with pathogenic avian H5N1 Influenza A viruses was the first documentation of these viruses demonstrating an ability to directly transmit from birds to humans. The virulent nature of these infections, and the fact that there is no pre-existing immunity to these viruses in the human population has raised the concern that these viruses may emerge to cause the next influenza pandemic. Vaccination is our most effective way of protecting against influenza infection, .... The occurrence of human infections with pathogenic avian H5N1 Influenza A viruses was the first documentation of these viruses demonstrating an ability to directly transmit from birds to humans. The virulent nature of these infections, and the fact that there is no pre-existing immunity to these viruses in the human population has raised the concern that these viruses may emerge to cause the next influenza pandemic. Vaccination is our most effective way of protecting against influenza infection, however there are no commercially available avian influenza vaccines available. Moreover, recent evidence suggests current vaccines strategies may be less than effective. This proposal aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel vaccine strategy that promotes immune protection against a potential pandemic influenza strain.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Creating B-cells To Cure Type 1 Diabetes

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $4,260,000.00
    Summary
    They aim to create insulin-secreting B cells by identifying their progenitor cells and the moleculaes normally required for their development, in order to restore B-cell function in the people with type 1 diabetes. Mouse and human multipotent embryonic stem (ES) cells and fetal mouse panceas and adult pancreas duct cells will be used as sources of progenitor B cells. Comparative studies will provide a more complete picture of human B-cell ontogeny. Culture systems developed for ES cells-embryoid .... They aim to create insulin-secreting B cells by identifying their progenitor cells and the moleculaes normally required for their development, in order to restore B-cell function in the people with type 1 diabetes. Mouse and human multipotent embryonic stem (ES) cells and fetal mouse panceas and adult pancreas duct cells will be used as sources of progenitor B cells. Comparative studies will provide a more complete picture of human B-cell ontogeny. Culture systems developed for ES cells-embryoid bodies (EB) - EB-derived cells, fetal pancreas and adult pancreas duct cells, will be employed to screen for and identify novel growth-differentiation factors and to optimise parameters for creating B cells in vitro or (re) generating B cells in vivo. Genetic constructs allowing regulated expression of fluorescently-tagged marker genes and growth-transcription factors will be introduced into cultured cells or transgenic mice to enable progenitor B cells to be tracked and isolated. Progenitor B cells will be typed with panels of known novel markers molecules at the gene and protein level, and gene expression profiles of tissue yielding B cells will be analysed across time to reveal further candidate markers. Molecules and methods effective in mouse systems will be applied to human ES cell-derived or pancreatic duct cells. The capacity to progenitor cells or insulin-secreting cells to ameliorate diabetes when transplanted into the testis, under the kidney capsule or into the pancreas of mouse models would represent proof-of-concept. Functional B cells derived from human ERS cells or pancreas duct cells, or growth factors that regenerate B cells in vivo, could together with appropriate immunotherapy restore B-cell function in people with type 1 diabetes.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Enhancing Australia's Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Output By Increasing The Yeild Of Vaccine From Eggs

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $251,517.00
    Summary
    Influenza epidemics cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly amongst the young and elderly. Unlike other vaccines, a new flu vaccine formulation needs to be prepared each year from the currently circulating strain. This involves a long process of preparing new seed vaccine stock, which is then tested, manufactured and distributed. The situation is even more complicated by the ability of different influenza strains to reassort with others. An example of current major concern is the .... Influenza epidemics cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly amongst the young and elderly. Unlike other vaccines, a new flu vaccine formulation needs to be prepared each year from the currently circulating strain. This involves a long process of preparing new seed vaccine stock, which is then tested, manufactured and distributed. The situation is even more complicated by the ability of different influenza strains to reassort with others. An example of current major concern is the possibility of deadly avian flu viruses, such as H5N1, to gain the capacity to directly infect humans by recombining with a human strain and thereby starting a new global pandemic. When the next influenza pandemic occurs, the availability of a vaccine will be of the highest priority and early supply of vaccines will save millions of lives. Since vaccination is the only sustainable defense, we face an urgent need to have the capacity to supply large numbers of vaccine doses of influenza vaccines within a short period of time. Currently, the only way of producing flu vaccines is in eggs. The speed of vaccine supply is totally dependant on the yield of vaccine from eggs and the number of eggs that can be processed at any one time. Since there are severe constraints on the number of eggs that can be simultaneously processed, the limiting factor that can be addressed is the actual yield of vaccine per egg. The aim of this project is the develop methods that allow higher levels of vaccine virus to grow in eggs. We will take a multi-pronged approach to enhancing influenza vaccine production that are directed toward increasing the capacity of eggs to promote virus replication, as well as towards the vaccine strain to boost its ability to replicate in the egg. The outcome will be an enhanced capacity for vaccine manufacturers to quickly and effectively expand vaccine supplies which will directly impact on global morbidity and mortality during a flu pandemic.
    Read more Read less
    More information
    Funded Activity

    Examining A Core Assumption Of Policy And Services For Older Indigenous Australians

    Funder
    National Health and Medical Research Council
    Funding Amount
    $133,387.00
    Summary
    In aged care service planning, the age 50 years or over is used for the Indigenous Australian population in the same way as the age 70 years is used for the non-Indigenous population. This is based on the lower life expectancy of the Indigenous population which is presumed to result in a need for aged care services at younger ages. The underlying assumption is that Australia's Indigenous population aged over 50 has the same set of age-associated conditions and care needs as the non-Indigenous po .... In aged care service planning, the age 50 years or over is used for the Indigenous Australian population in the same way as the age 70 years is used for the non-Indigenous population. This is based on the lower life expectancy of the Indigenous population which is presumed to result in a need for aged care services at younger ages. The underlying assumption is that Australia's Indigenous population aged over 50 has the same set of age-associated conditions and care needs as the non-Indigenous population aged over 70. The evidence for this assumption is not established. It is well documented that the Indigenous population has worse health outcomes across all age groups relative to non-Indigenous Australians. However, our understanding of the details of the observed pattern is far from complete. This project seeks to compare the health status of the Indigenous population aged 50 years or over to the health status of the non-Indigenous population aged 70 years or over. The project will analyse a number of data sets to inform future directions in policy and service provision. A better understanding of these issues is fundamental to informed planning and allocation of resources, to identification of areas amenable to prevention strategies and to the development of approaches to care that meet the needs of Indigenous people.
    Read more Read less
    More information

    Showing 1-10 of 14 Funded Activites

    • 1
    • 2
    Advanced Search

    Advanced search on the Researcher index.

    Advanced search on the Funded Activity index.

    Advanced search on the Organisation index.

    National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy

    The Australian Research Data Commons is enabled by NCRIS.

    ARDC CONNECT NEWSLETTER

    Subscribe to the ARDC Connect Newsletter to keep up-to-date with the latest digital research news, events, resources, career opportunities and more.

    Subscribe

    Quick Links

    • Home
    • About Research Link Australia
    • Product Roadmap
    • Documentation
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact ARDC

    We acknowledge and celebrate the First Australians on whose traditional lands we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

    Copyright © ARDC. ACN 633 798 857 Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement
    Top
    Quick Feedback