17 December 2024
Four QIMR Berghofer researchers have been awarded highly-contested national funding grants, which will help drive vital research into endometrial cancer, chikungunya virus, glaucoma genetics and Epstein-Barr Virus.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Ideas grants were announced by federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler today.
Professor Rajiv Khanna, Dr Daniel Rawle and Associate Professors Tracy O’Mara, and Puya Gharahkhani all received Ideas grants for innovative and creative projects in health and medical research.
QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay said the funding would empower diverse research projects tackling diseases affecting Queenslanders and people across the world.
“The outcome of this grant round is a testament to our scientists’ relentless dedication to advancing knowledge and innovation in human health,” she said.
“Discoveries by QIMR Berghofer researchers profoundly impact society, ensuring a healthier future for all. Congratulations to all the recipients on this well-deserved recognition and support.”
NHMRC Ideas Grants:
- Professor Rajiv Khanna will use his grant to expand understanding of how a newly-discovered human antibody called Ebvirumab could help treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis and some cancers linked to Epstein-Barr Virus infections.
- Associate Professor Tracy O’Mara received her grant to assess how genetic insights could help target obesity-driven endometrial cancer.
- Associate Professor Puya Gharahkhani will use artificial intelligence to identify genes which could inform new treatments for glaucoma and help predict risk of the disease.
- Dr Daniel Rawle will receive funding to identify new ways of treating the mosquito-borne viruses chikungunya and Ross River virus.
The full grant announcement outcomes are available on the NHMRC page https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/data-research/outcomes
