Grant recipients

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Using liquid brain biopsies to study dementia with Lewy bodies

Project Summary
This research aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a severe and often under-researched form of dementia. The study uses a groundbreaking approach by analysing brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in blood samples, which contain crucial information about brain activity. The project uses a novel technology, NEURO-NET, to capture these brain-derived EVs from blood, enabling a new way to track the disease’s progression. This research, employing advanced technologies like the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer and Illumina sequencing, aims to identify specific proteins and RNA markers for DLB progression. By profiling the disease over time, this method could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for DLB.

State SA
Member Type Student
Grant $50,000
Project Title A metagenomic machine learning model for diagnostic and prognostic classification of chronic rhinosinusitis

Project Summary
This project aims to develop a machine learning model to enhance diagnostic clarity and identify predictive markers of clinical outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common inflammatory disease, impacting the lives of 2 million Australians. CRS patients are among those most frequently subjected to repeated rounds of antibiotic treatments. With infection persistence and relapse, this is fertile ground for the development of potent antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This work will analyse microbiome samples from 532 patients across nine countries, comparing CRS patients to healthy individuals. The proposed model will be built using metagenomic data (generated by sequencing the bacteria in each patients’ sinus microbiome) and clinical information to inform predictions about CRS diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing the need for invasive tests. Ultimately, we hope to create a tool that helps doctors make more accurate decisions and improves quality of care for CRS patients, whilst simultaneously enabling enhanced surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in this at-risk patient group.

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Harnessing the power of big data to understand heart disease in scleroderma

Project Summary
This project aims to improve understanding of heart disease in people with scleroderma, a condition that causes scarring and inflammation in organs, with heart disease being a leading cause of early death. By using big data from the National Health Data Hub and the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, the project will track the health of individuals with scleroderma and compare their heart disease rates, treatments, and outcomes with those of the general population. Key objectives include identifying the frequency of heart conditions, analysing treatments used, and assessing the impact of heart disease on hospital stays and mortality. The goal is to improve early detection, treatment, and overall healthcare for people with scleroderma, enhancing their quality of life and survival rates. 

State NSW
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $50,000
Project Title Dual mobility versus conventional total hip arthroplasty in femoral neck fractures, a registry-nested, open-label, cluster-randomised crossover trial (DISTINCT)

Project Summary
The DISTINCT study compares two types of hip replacements – dual mobility and conventional – specifically for older adults with fractured hips. Every year, around 20,000 Australians suffer hip fractures, requiring surgery to reduce pain and restore mobility. While traditional hip replacements are successful, about 10% of patients experience dislocations, which leaves the patient temporarily unable to walk. Dual mobility hip replacements are designed to increase hip range of motion and reduce dislocation risk, but their effectiveness is still unclear, and they are more expensive than conventional replacements. The study, involving over 2,500 patients across 50 hospitals, aims to compare the dislocation rates of both types of hip replacements via a randomised trial run by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). By linking trial data with hospital records, the study will provide valuable insights into which hip replacement is more effective in preventing dislocations, ultimately helping improve treatment decisions and reducing healthcare costs. 

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Measuring Outcomes Beyond Disease (MOBY-D): Incorporating patient reported outcomes in epilepsy care through a consumer co-designed approach

Project Summary
This study aims to improve epilepsy care by integrating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) into routine management to address mental health issues (like anxiety and depression) and medication side effects, which are common in people with epilepsy. Despite being recommended by international guidelines.  PROMs are underused in epilepsy clinics. The study will proceed in five stages: 

1. Understand current use of PROMs by reviewing guidelines and surveying clinics. 
2. Engage stakeholders (clinicians and patients) to gather insights and preferences. 
3. Select appropriate PROMs, developing both paper and digital versions. 
4. Evaluate the impact of PROMs on patient care, including medication adjustments and mental health referrals. 
5. Develop guidelines for wider adoption of PROMs in epilepsy care. 

The goal is to improve care by addressing not only seizures but also mental health and medication challenges that people with epilepsy may face, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. 

State VIC
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $50,000
Project Title SCARCE: a Cohort Study of Autoimmune and Rare diseases and Complications of the Eye

Project Summary

The SCARCE Study focuses on understanding autoimmune and rare diseases affecting the eye, specifically non-infectious uveitis (NIU), a condition causing eye inflammation linked to autoimmune diseases. NIU can lead to preventable blindness, long-term vision loss, and broader health issues. The study is conducted at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where experts treat over 1,500 patients annually. It aims to explore the impact of NIU beyond eye health, tracking patient vision, disease progression, treatments, and complications. Key goals include evaluating treatments, identifying risks, improving care, building a biobank, and using real-world data to advance research. Ultimately, the study seeks to optimise treatments and improve patient outcomes.

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Evidence based prescribing for the empirical treatment of blood pressure and cholesterol

Project Summary
This project aims to improve treatment for high blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Currently, many patients fail to reach their target levels due to ineffective treatments and "therapeutic inertia," where doctors don't adjust treatment despite high-risk levels. The project proposes an evidence-based approach using data from clinical trials to guide medication choices instead of relying on trial and error. A clinical support tool has been developed to predict how different treatments will affect BP and cholesterol levels. The project will test this method in Australia to evaluate its effectiveness, safety, and patient and clinician satisfaction. If successful, this approach could streamline treatment and improve health outcomes for patients. 

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title Community, Country, and Cognition: Place-based healthy brain ageing for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Project Summary
This project explores how living in urban compared to rural areas affects brain health and dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These communities are more likely to experience dementia at a younger age, but the impact of different environments on brain ageing is not well understood. The research aims to gather insights from community members and healthcare professionals about the challenges and strengths associated with brain health, particularly in rural and remote regions where healthcare resources are limited. Initial findings from a pilot project in New South Wales revealed challenges such as a lack of local dementia knowledge and services and culturally safe care as well as limited understanding of brain health. The next phase will compare these experiences with those of people living in metropolitan areas. Ultimately, the project seeks to identify local strengths, such as connection to Community and Culture, to support healthy brain ageing and inform locally tailored policies and programs for dementia prevention and care. 

State NSW
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $25,000
Project Title Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in New South Wales: A mixed methods study of implementation processes, stakeholder experiences, and program impact

Project Summary
This study evaluates the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in New South Wales (NSW), focusing on its effectiveness and the perceptions of those involved, including healthcare workers, patients, and those who implemented the system. NSW introduced SafeScript in 2021-2022 to track high-risk prescriptions (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and gabapentinoids) to reduce misuse, addiction, and overdose. While international studies on PDMPs have shown mixed results, there is limited research on its impact in Australia. The study aims to assess the program's effectiveness in improving safety and outcomes, providing insights to optimise the system and minimise any negative effects in the future.

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title Enhancing relationship-centred complex decision-making

Project Summary
The research focuses on enhancing relationship-centred care in paediatric settings, particularly when making difficult decisions about life-prolonging treatments for children with life-limiting conditions. It emphasises the importance of strong relationships between parents and doctors, as this improves decision-making and parent satisfaction. The study will involve bereaved parents, who will participate in interviews or focus groups after watching video simulations of clinical discussions about intensive care and follow-up appointments. Parents will reflect on the communication they observed and how it influenced their own experiences. The research aims to identify key elements that strengthen the doctor-family relationship, and later stages will evaluate the impact on treatment practices and patient care. The goal is to develop national guidelines for integrating relationship-centred care into paediatric practices in Australia, ensuring more compassionate and informed decision-making for families.

State QLD
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $25,000
Project Title Personalised prediction of serious and common antipsychotic side effects with genetics and big data

Project Summary
This research aims to predict which individuals are more likely to experience side effects from antipsychotic medications using genetic information. Antipsychotics are the bedrock of treatment for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder, but often cause severe side effects such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurological issues. These side effects significantly reduce a person’s quality of life and are a barrier to medication adherence. The project will use data from the UK Biobank – which includes genetic and health data from over 2,500 individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder – to explore how genetics and medication interact to predict side effects. This could help doctors make more personalised treatment decisions that reduce risks and improve patient outcomes. 

State NSW
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Perioperative Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients - A Nationwide Study

Project Summary
Kidney transplantation is the only long-term treatment option for people with end-stage kidney failure on dialysis. While unexpected deaths around the time of transplantation (known as "perioperative mortality") are rare, there has not been any research into factors leading to these deaths and how they could be prevented. This study will be the first to analyse data from a national Australian audit that tracks deaths related to organ transplantation. It will focus on data collected over 10 years from the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM) to identify the factors contributing to preventable deaths in patients receiving kidney or kidney-pancreas transplants. The findings of this study should provide useful insights into ways to improve surgical care and outcomes for kidney transplant patients in Australia.

State NSW
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Targeted versus empiric perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients colonised with multi-drug resistant organisms and the risk of postoperative multidrug resistant infections

Project Summary
This project aims to improve antibiotic use during organ transplant surgeries to reduce the risk of superbug infections, which are a major cause of death and complications in transplant patients. Superbugs are resistant to many common antibiotics and are harder to treat, leading to higher costs and worse outcomes. The project will investigate whether using targeted antibiotics that specifically target superbugs during surgery – especially for patients already carrying these bacteria– can reduce infections post-surgery. Results from this study may help design future studies to better deliver antibiotic prophylaxis during transplant surgeries, improve patient safety, reduce costs, and combat antibiotic resistance.

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Towards the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia: reducing inequities in underserved populations through qualitative examination of the role of general practice in cervical cancer prevention pathways

Project Summary
This project focuses on reducing cervical cancer inequities in underserved populations in Australia, particularly culturally diverse communities. While cervical cancer is preventable through the HPV vaccine, cervical screening tests (CSTs), and follow-up care, some groups face barriers to accessing or engaging with these services, resulting in higher rates of under-screening and under-treatment. General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in prevention, and so this research will examine how GPs in New South Wales support culturally diverse women in accessing these services. By conducting interviews with GPs, the project aims to identify challenges in prevention, improve service delivery, and contribute to the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia. 

State VIC
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) School

Project Summary
The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) school is a 10-day intensive training program in sexual medicine and therapy, which took place from 15-24 November 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. The program, which offers certification, is designed for doctors currently working or training in sexual medicine. The course provides in-depth education on topics such as psychosexual health, sexual function and dysfunction, gender and sexuality, and genital dermatology. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from various specialties. As there is no formal sexual medicine training in Australia, attending this course is an important opportunity for professional development and for networking with global clinicians. This training is also a step toward obtaining the Fellowship of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine. 

State VIC
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Improving Quality of Treatments in Patients with Bladder Cancer at Monash Health

Project Summary
This project aims to create a detailed database of bladder cancer patients (around 6,000 people) who have been treated at Monash Health over the past 15 years. The purpose of this database is to collect information on how these patients were diagnosed and treated. By analysing this data, the goal is to find ways to improve bladder cancer treatments for future patients at Monash Health. In short, this project will help improve bladder cancer care at Monash Health by providing valuable insights into treatment methods, ultimately benefiting patients, and advancing research in this area.

State SA
Member Type Student
Grant $5,000
Project Title Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing of Performing an Intravitreal Injection in Australia

Project Summary
This study aims to calculate the cost of performing intravitreal injections (IVI) in Australia using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) – an accounting method that evaluates the cost of a service based on the time spent on each activity. Intravitreal injections are a common treatment for retinal conditions, and their use is increasing due to the ageing population. The study will be conducted over three weeks at the Ophthalmology Unit of Royal Adelaide Hospital. By quantifying the costs involved, the study seeks to identify areas for potential cost savings, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IVI delivery in Australia. 

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title The ABCs of Sjögren’s disease: Autoantibody-secreting B Cells

Project Summary
This research focuses on understanding Sjögren’s disease (SjD),

an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, pain, fatigue, and serious complications. The disease is linked to B cells, which are immune cells that normally protect the body, except in SjD they produce harmful protein (autoantibodies) that attack the body’s tissues. Despite there being an awareness of this malfunction in B cells for nearly a century, the exact cause is not well understood, and most research has been conducted in mice. The goals of the research are to identify why B cells produce autoantibodies and to establish a biobank for ongoing studies. Through patient samples and advanced laboratory techniques, the study aims to develop better treatments for SjD. The eventual aim would be to target these bad B cells specifically as a therapeutic strategy.

State VIC
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in adult congenital heart disease: increasing Australia’s clinical, education, and research capacity

Project Summary
This project focuses on improving the care of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), a growing population due to advances in paediatric cardiology and surgery. These patients require lifelong monitoring, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a key tool for assessing heart function and structure. However, expertise in ACHD CMR is limited in Australia. To address this, Dr Lee will undertake a six-month clinical and research fellowship at the Royal Brompton Hospital in the UK, a leader in ACHD CMR. The fellowship will help Dr Lee gain advanced skills, achieve EACVI CMR CHD certification, and learn new 3D imaging techniques. This knowledge will be brought back to Australia to expand ACHD CMR services, enhance clinical care, and foster international research collaborations, benefiting ACHD patients and advancing heart health research in Australia.

State VIC
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title International Survey of Perinatal Death Education among Healthcare Students and Providers

Project Summary
This project aims to assess how well healthcare students and recent graduates are trained to support families after the loss of a baby, particularly in cases of stillbirth or early neonatal death. A global survey will be conducted that asks medical, nursing, and midwifery students about their education on the causes, prevention, and emotional support for bereaved families. The survey will be distributed internationally, reaching participants across multiple continents. The results will identify gaps in training, with the goal of improving educational programs to ensure healthcare providers are better prepared to offer compassionate care to bereaved parents and ultimately help reduce stillbirth and neonatal death rates. 

State VIC
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Suicides by socioeconomic quintile in Australian cities and regional areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: a time series analysis

Project Summary
This research aims to closely examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates in Australia, particularly focusing on disadvantaged communities. While the overall national suicide rate remained stable, international studies suggest that marginalised groups experienced higher suicide rates during the pandemic. To investigate this in Australia, the study will analyse suicide data before, during, and after the pandemic at a city and quarterly level, using detailed data provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The research will focus on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and compare trends between cities with varying levels of COVID-19 impact, such as Melbourne and Brisbane. The goal is to determine if disadvantaged Australians were disproportionately affected by the pandemic's mental health impacts. 

State NSW
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Improving care in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Australia, through precision medicine

Project Summary
Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PIBD) is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, with no cure. It arises from a combination of genetics, the immune system, and the gut microbiome, leading to unique cases. PIBD causes flare-ups with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition, often requiring surgery. Medications can have serious side effects that affect development. In Australia, over 1,000 children are affected, and the disease's incidence is rising, though treatment options are limited. Precision medicine, which tailors’ treatment based on genetic testing, is being explored and has shown success. The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is a leader in this approach, and a fellow will train there for three years starting in July 2024. The goal is to improve PIBD care in Australia by implementing precision medicine upon their return.

State QLD
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Up In the AIR: Understanding Paediatric Influenza vaccination through the Australian Immunisation Registry

Project Summary
This project examines trends in childhood flu vaccinations in Australia, using data from the Australian Immunisation Registry (AIR), which tracks vaccines given to Medicare-eligible individuals. The focus is on understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced flu vaccine uptake in children in Brisbane's Metro North Hospital and Health Service area. Early findings suggest a decline in flu vaccine uptake since 2020. The project aims to track changes in vaccine rates from 2019 to 2023, considering factors such as age, gender, cultural background, and socioeconomic status. A key goal is to develop a system for creating real-time maps of vaccination coverage, helping doctors and public health experts monitor trends as new diseases and vaccines emerge. 

State WA
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Using Target Trial Emulation to Determine the Causal Effect of Pre-Arthroplasty Bariatric Surgery on Complications in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Project Summary
This project aims to explore the impact of weight loss surgery on outcomes for joint replacement surgeries in people with osteoarthritis, particularly those who are obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis and can complicate joint replacement surgeries, leading to higher risks of infections and other issues. While bariatric surgery can help obese patients lose weight, it’s unclear how much weight loss is needed or when it should occur relative to joint replacement. The research will analyse large health databases to determine the optimal amount of weight loss and timing for bariatric surgery before joint replacement. The findings could help improve surgery outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance patients' quality of life. Using cutting edge statistical techniques, this research will analyse large health databases to determine the optimal amount of weight loss and timing for bariatric surgery before joint replacement.

State WA
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title Feasibility of a multi-dose test-dose system for pre-operative antibiotics: a phase 1 trial.

Project Summary
This project aims to test the feasibility of a new system called IRIS (Increasing Rate Infusion System) to safely administer test doses of antibiotics before surgery, reducing the risk of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Anaphylaxis is a significant concern in surgical settings, with over 100 cases annually in Western Australia. The IRIS system gradually increases antibiotic doses in small steps, helping to identify allergic reactions without causing harm. This Phase 1 trial will involve 50 patients at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital to assess the safety, practicality, and satisfaction with the system. If successful, a larger study will follow, leading to widespread use. 

State NSW
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title Ultra-Rapid Brain Tumour Diagnostics: a long read to a fast answer

Project Summary
This project aims to speed up brain tumour diagnostics using a new technology called long read sequencing. Unlike traditional gene testing, long read sequencing offers a more detailed and faster analysis of a tumour’s genetic makeup. Currently, it takes 2-4 weeks to get brain tumour results, but with this technology, a diagnosis could be returned while the patient is still in surgery, enabling immediate treatment decisions. By providing quicker, more comprehensive diagnoses, long read sequencing has the potential to expedite and improve brain tumour care. 

State NSW
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs

Project Summary
This study is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial aimed at determining whether triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat skin lesions like keloids, can reduce the size of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lesions on the legs of elderly patients. The trial involves participants aged 70 and older with a suspected SCC lesion. After a punch biopsy, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an injection of triamcinolone acetonide or a placebo (normal saline). Five weeks after the injection, any remaining lesion will be excised or biopsied to check for resolution. Participants will also complete questionnaires on lower limb function and quality of life at the start and five weeks after injection.

State VIC
Member Type Accredited trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Zoledronic acid to mitigate bone loss following ischaemic stroke

Project Summary
Stroke survivors are at a significantly higher risk of bone fractures due to factors like increased falls, walking difficulties, and bone density loss. The risk of fractures can increase by two to four times after a stroke, especially if a hip is broken, leading to severe complications like disability or death. Current treatments focus on rehabilitation and fall prevention, but these have shown limited effectiveness. This study aims to review the use of zoledronic acid, a common osteoporosis drug, to prevent bone loss in stroke survivors. Participants over 50 who have had a stroke will receive either zoledronic acid or ‘standard of care’, with bone density measured before and after 12 months. The goal is to determine whether the drug can proactively reduce bone loss and fracture risk. If successful, zoledronic acid could offer significant health benefits, reducing complications, improving quality of life, and lowering healthcare costs for stroke survivors. 

State NSW
Member Type Student
Grant $5,000
Project Title Towards an inclusive genomics: characterising structural genetic variation in underrepresented groups

Project Summary
This project seeks to create an inclusive genetic reference database to improve health outcomes for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, who often face higher rates of diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Current genomic medicine largely relies on genetic data from people of European ancestry, which limits its applicability to other populations. The project will analyse genetic data from 100 individuals with the help of Professor Michael Talkowski’s team at Harvard University. The goal is to develop a resource that enables better genetic testing for all Australians, fostering more inclusive research and addressing health disparities.

State VIC
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Treatment of keloid scars with adjuvant radiotherapy before surgery

Project Summary
This study investigates the use of radiation therapy before surgery to treat keloid scars, which are thick, raised scars that can often grow back after removal. Typically, radiation is used after surgery to reduce the chances of regrowth, but this study explores whether applying radiation before surgery could improve outcomes by preventing the keloid from returning and enhancing the appearance of the scar. The research will focus on methods like electron beam radiation and brachytherapy, examining regrowth rates, surgical complications, and patient satisfaction with the appearance of the scar. The goal is to determine if pre-surgery radiation can effectively reduce regrowth and improve scar appearance with minimal side effects. 

Dr Talia Igel

Dr Antonia Kolovos

Dr Alexander Ngoo

Dr Roshan Selvaratnam

Dr Bobak Bahrami

Dr Matthew Lennon

Dr Min Son To

Dr Ramesh Shanmugasundaram

Dr Khizar Rana

Dr Sam Cresser

Dr Benedict Tan

Dr Chu Luan Nguyen

Dr Kane Langdon

Dr Courtney Parish

Dr Matthew Kang

Dr Isobel Pye

Dr Alice Crawford

Dr Kelly Petersen

Dr Katerina Flabouris

Dr Sachin Phakey

Dr April De Silva

Dr Harold Parker

Dr Akash Gowda

Dr Jessica Wynn

Dr Bushra Zaman Bandhon

Dr Yong Min Lee

Dr William Crohan

Dr Owen Taylor-Williams

Dr Nirmal Dayaratna