Exploring solutions to our greatest health challenges
IHMRI affiliated researchers at the University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District are actively working on a diverse range of projects to find solutions to our greatest health challenges.
The list below details projects that are currently supported by major funding bodies, such the National Health and Medical Research Council, grants on the Australian Competitive Grant register, as well as other smaller schemes.
Click on the project name for more details. The research projects are in alphabetical order. You can also search for particular phrases or topics by using the search function at the top of the page.
For a more simplified, non-scientific description of the work of IHMRI researchers, visit What we research.
Targeting misfolded proteins with MisfoldUbLs as a therapeutic strategy for ALS.
We have designed an artificial gene encoding an enzyme that selectively targets the mutant form of SOD1 for disposal but spares the normal SOD1 protein.
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The algorithm will see you now: ethical, legal and social implications of adopting machine learning systems for diagnosis and screening
This project focuses on machine learning – a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – which can now diagnose and screen for conditions including breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
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The relationship between maternal health and infant renal development and function
Using non-invasive methods, this study will assess the impact of maternal kidney size, diabetes, alcohol, nutrition and smoking on a baby’s kidney growth.
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The role of mutant cyclin F in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Professorial Fellow Justin Yerbury and Principal Fellow Dr Lezanne Ooi are working on this three-year NHMRC Project Grant awarded in 2015 with researchers from Macquarie University.
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The role of mutant CYLD in frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease
We have identified a new gene that when mutated causes dementia and motor neurone disease (MND), diseases that are currently incurable. This project will examine how this mutated gene affects cell functions to cause nerve cell death.
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Understanding and promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in young children
Senior Professor Tony Okely was awarded this five-year NHMRC Investigator Grant in 2019 to study physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in young children.
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Understanding RAB39B-mediated Parkinson’s disease
Associate Professor Mirella Dottori is working on this four-year NHMRC Project Grant awarded in 2017 with Associate Professor Paul Lockhart from the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.
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Unravelling the contribution of early life stress to psychopathology – a morphological study
This project will determine the long-term changes to brain cytoarchitecture induced by early life stress in psychiatric disorders.
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