This Centre of Research Excellence will translate the best available evidence to improve cancer outcomes through better management of infections in cancer patients, a rapidly growing group. We will establish new research networks to detect emerging multi resistant infections, develop guidelines on how to manage them, implement locally successful programs that have been shown to save lives nationally and validate new practice changing immune, bioinformatics and diagnostic technologies.
Immunisation is second only to clean water and sanitation as a life-saving activity. Vaccine safety is considered to be very important by the general public, the media and the health professions. With so many diseases controlled and now rare, the safety of vaccines assumes greater importance. Research is needed on new and safer vaccines, using e.g. a needle-free approach, against old foes, like influenza, and new enemies (like MERS) with vaccine safety more important than ever.
Australian Partnership (for) Preparedness Research On InfectiouS (disease) Emergencies (APPRISE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,996,416.00
Summary
We have assembled national experts in clinical, laboratory and public health research to ensure Australia is equipped for a coordinated, effective and evidence based response to infectious diseases. This multidisciplinary team will create and share new knowledge to detect, prevent and manage emerging infection threats. We will train a robust cross-sectoral work force and develop sustainable research capacity integrated within the health system to ensure national and regional health security.
Surveillance And Treatment Of Prisoners With Hepatitis C (SToP-C)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,560,494.00
Summary
SToP-C will investigate whether a significant reduction in hepatitis C infection in NSW prisons is possible with a “treatment as prevention” strategy. It will treat prisoners for hep C infection both to improve their own health and to make onward transmission to others less likely. There is currently a lack of available effective strategies; however through delivery of simple, effective new therapies this world-first trial offers significant opportunities to reduce the burden of liver disease.
Enhancing The Cascade Of HIV Care To Maximise The Prevention Benefits Of Antiretroviral Therapy For Populations Living With HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Antiretroviral drugs are effective at preventing death and illness for populations with HIV and preventing HIV transmission. I will undertake a series of studies to measure the impact of current antiretroviral treatment to prevent both illness and new infections in Australia. I will also undertake a series of studies to increase HIV testing, diagnose HIV earlier, and improve people’s linkage and retention HIV in care and evaluate the impact of these interventions on HIV transmission.
Emerging Infectious Neurological Diseases In Australia; From Enhanced Recognition To Improved Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Infectious neurological diseases(IND) such as encephalitis are severe and frequently cause long term disability. New IND like Zika pose a real threat. During his PhD, Dr Britton identified outbreaks of encephalitis in children and described serious consequences. Here, Dr Britton proposes to extend his work across all ages, include other types of IND and explore novel methods to detect outbreaks. He will work with experts at leading national research centres in surveillance and infectious disease
Causes And Consequences Of Acute Encephalitis In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,695.00
Summary
This study involves a national surveillance of children hospitalised with inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) to identify new and emerging causes of acute encephalitis in children, opportunities for treatment and prevention and also to study the long term outcome of this brain damaging condition. This information will be helpful to better understand the disease and would be used to develop clinical guidelines, policy and public health interventions.