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.
Reducing Over Consumption Of Sugar-sweetened Beverages In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with excess energy intake, weight gain and obesity. High consumption also causes Type II diabetes, cardio vascular risk factors and tooth decay. Australians, especially young Australians, are high consumers of SSBs, and soft drinks in particular. Bringing experience from tobacco control, this research investigates public health policy mechanisms to reduce over consumption, with a focus on the potential of warning labels.
Reducing Risk Factors For Falls And Fracture In Obese Older Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Australia’s obese older population is growing, and a large number of fractures now occur in obese older adults. This research program aims to reduce falls and fracture risk in obese older adults through innovative exercise programs which target improvements in bone and muscle health, and a wearable device that enables measurement of this type of exercise. The findings will contribute to exercise guidelines which are urgently needed to reduce the costly impact of falls and fracture in Australia.
Targeting Central Inflammation To Combat Obesity And Obesity-related Cognitive Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
The current obesity epidemic means many of us will suffer from overweight or obesity for at least some of our lives. My findings show obesity can cause inflammation throughout the brain including in regions related to learning and memory. Here I hypothesize that obesity induces long-term changes in the brain’s immune cells, that this can explain why we see susceptibility to cognitive decline in obese individuals, and that we can reverse these negative effects by targeting these immune cells.
Improving Long-term Weight Loss By Deactivating The Famine Reaction With Molecular Or Lifestyle Means
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
Dr Amanda Sainsbury-Salis’ research will clarify which hormones and natural brain chemicals interact in the hypothalamus of the brain to control the famine reaction, the survival mechanism that slows your weight loss when you are on a diet. By knowing precisely which natural chemicals mediate the famine reaction and how they interact, it will be possible to weaken them by pharmaceutical and - or lifestyle means, thereby enabling more people to reap the benefits of being lean and healthy.
Haematopoiesis, Metabolic Disorders And Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Dr. Murphy’s work is centred on examining how different diseases such as obesity, diabetes and other inflammatory conditions increase people’s risk of heart disease. He will explore how these various inflammatory diseases influence the produce increased levels of white blood cells, which is important as increased white blood cells are positively associated with disease severity. He will also explore the relationship between blood cancers, know as leukaemia and how obesity.