Research on schizophrenia, the socio-economic determinants of junior sport participation and managing headaches are among seven projects to be funded in 1997 by the University of Queensland Foundation Ltd.
The projects, valued at a total $161,463, were selected from 34 new grant applications.
They are among 73 University of Queensland projects since 1985 to receive Foundation funding totalling almost $1.7 million from a capital base currently worth $2.19 million.
The Foundation was established to generate funds for high quality University research projects, particularly those requiring more development to attract funds from outside granting agencies.
Its annual report, to be presented at the Foundation's annual meeting in Brisbane today, shows a 1996 operating surplus of $163,113.
University Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards will present certificates to new members at the meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 3.30pm at the Long Room, Brisbane Customs House.
Three researchers who received Foundation grant funds in 1996 will be the guest speakers:
- Dr Nigel McMillan and Professor Ian Frazer of the Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research will discuss How do viruses evade the Interferon system?; and
- Larelle Law of the Commerce Department will discuss The Evolution of the Business Judgement Rule in Australia.
Foundation chair Mr Bill Palmer said the total subscribed capital in 1996 increased by two percent from $1,959,890 to $1,996,957.
The report shows that total income for the year was $211,950, compared with $221,238 in 1995. Interest earned on the Foundation's capital investments was $184,748, almost $5000 higher than the previous year.
Donations to the Foundation can be made either directly to the University's Development Office or through the University's Annual Appeal. The Appeal provides a facility for donors wishing to direct funds to the Foundation.
Recipients in the 1997 research program are:
- Associate Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Associate Professor Norm Heckenberg, Associate Professor Peter Snow (Physics and Anatomical Sciences Departments) for a project entitled: Optical Tweezer Micromanipulation of Axons for Construction of Neural Microcircuitry ($22,000 co-funded with John and Ruth Kerr);
- Dr Bernie Degnan (Zoology Department) The Role of Hox Genes in the most primitive Metazoans, the Sponges ($24,269);
- Professor David Kirk, Dr Dawn Penney, Dr Terry Carlson (Human Movement Studies Department) Socio-Economic Determinants of Junior Sport Participation in Queensland ($14,194);
- Associate Professor Gwen Jull (Physiotherapy Department) A Clinical Trial of Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Management of Headaches Arising from the Neck ($25,000);
- Dr Bryan Mowry, Derek Nancarrow (Psychiatry Department, Wolston Park Hospital, Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research, QIMR) A Molecular Genetic Linkage Study of Schizophrenia ($18,000);
- Dr Ted Steinberg (Mechanical Engineering Department) Ground-based Microgravity Facility Fabrication ($35,000);
- Dr Peter Noakes (Physiology and Pharmacology Department) Neuronal Cell Death in the Rapsyn Deficient Mouse ($17,000).
The Foundation has also agreed to support research on rehabilitation following motor vehicle accidents conducted by the head of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Professor Margaret Bullock ($6000 per year for five years).
For further information, contact the Foundation's executive officer Ms Julie Ridgway, telephone 3365 1229.
