Three University of Newcastle (UoN) researchers are set to analyse some of the world’s most critical health problems, thanks to a handy windfall.
The trio – Laureate Professor Clare Collins, Neuroscientist Professor Michael Breakspear and Professor Brett Mitchell – will be supported by more than $8.3m in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator grants.
In collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), a partnership between the UoN, Hunter New England Health and the community, the academics will explore personalised nutrition support, mathematical models of brain disorders and strategies to prevent “neglected” areas of infection prevention.
Their work is expected to pave the way to help millions of people around the world live better, healthier lives.
NHMRC Investigator grants consolidate separate fellowship and research assistance into one scheme, providing each researcher flexibility to pursue important new directions as they arise and to form collaborations as needed, rather than being restricted to the scope of a specific project.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Liz Sullivan said the NHMRC funding reflected the university’s commitment to delivering better health results and improving the wellbeing of its communities.
“This successful outcome, our highest ever allocation of funding in this scheme since its inception in 2018, acknowledges the strength of our researchers’ world-leading expertise in developing relevant research solutions to local, national and global problems,” she explained.
“I congratulate the successful researchers on securing these NHMRC grants to conduct important health and medical research, which will make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of Australians and people around the world.”
HMRI director Professor Mike Calford said the success of the three researchers showed the depth of talent in the local research community.
“These researchers are at the top of their fields internationally and it is a credit to them and amazing boon to the region to secure these grants,” he added.
“Conducting such important research here in the Hunter has direct benefits to the local community and places us at the cutting-edge of medical research around the world.”
The world’s most published and cited dietitian researcher, Laureate Professor Collins, received $3.9m to establish innovative approaches in “Personalised Nutrition Support” for those at greatest risk of poor diet-related health.
Studies have confirmed the significant health and economic benefits of personalised Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) delivered by Accredited Practising Dietitians, yet only 1.1% of eligible adults accessed nutrition support under Medicare in 2018-19.
With one in two Australian adults now having at least one diet-related chronic disease, there is an urgent need to develop personalised, cost-effective MNTs that are embedded within health services.
Professor Collins’ research will also aim to improve communication between consumers, dietitians, health services and policy makers.
Professor Breakspear was awarded $2.9m to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain disorders, combining brain imaging with mathematical modelling.
Brain and psychiatric disorders – including dementia, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – are common in the Hunter community but diagnosis and treatment options are often limited.
He will study these disorders in the local community, using the studies to provide new diagnostic tools, and to screen high-risk people into clinical trials.
These studies will offer new hope to people living with mental illness, and ensure Australia continues to play a leading role in cutting-edge brain research.
Internationally-recognised infection control professional Professor Mitchell received $1.5m to work on building evidence for strategies to prevent healthcare-acquired infections.
His program of research focuses on three inter-related projects, providing evidence for “neglected” areas of infection prevention – urinary tract infection, pneumonia and improved cleaning in healthcare – which together, account for over half of all infections in healthcare.
Professor Mitchell will conduct randomised control trials and cost effectiveness analyses that will deliver high evidence to inform guidelines, policy and clinical practice.
These trials will investigate ways of reducing catheter-associated UTI in the community, reducing hospital-associated pneumonia and innovative ways of reducing infection through a cleaner hospital environment.
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