UQ health and medical research secures $10.2 million boost

Researchers from The University of Queensland have received more than $10.2 million through 6 Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) schemes to address gaps in health and medical research.

The 9 UQ projects include research to improve physical activity in people living with a stoma, support patients and carers transitioning home after a brain injury, and reduce vaping among adolescents. 

MRFF 2023 Clinician Researchers: Applied Research in Health

• Professor Ranjeny Thomas will lead research to advance understanding of the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle and resilience program to improve outcomes for patients with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

MRFF 2023 Early to Mid-Career Researchers

• Dr Arutha Kulasinghe will lead a study to improve metabolic spatial analysis of lung cancer.

MRFF 2023 International Clinical Trial Collaborations (Round 1)

• Dr Elissa Milford will lead a randomised trial to define the platelet count at which critically ill patients should receive a platelet transfusion prior to an invasive procedure.

MRFF 2023 Chronic Respiratory Conditions

• Associate Professor Lisa Kaminskas will lead research to develop nanoparticle gene therapy for cystic fibrosis patients.

MRFF 2023 Consumer-Led Research

• Dr Emmah Doig will lead the co-creation of virtual environments with patients to enhance self-awareness and preparedness for home after brain injury treatment.
• Professor Sandie McCarthy will lead a consumer-led physical activity study to improve understanding of physical exercise when living with a stoma.
• Associate Professor Leanne Sakzewski will collaborate with families on the development of a Cerebral Palsy Knowledge, Advocacy Skills, and Support program to improve patient outcomes through the NDIS.

2023 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyle

• Associate Professor Gary Chan will lead the development of an AI-powered social media campaign to help reduce youth vaping.
• Professor Leanne Hides will lead the development of a social media targeted approach to reducing alcohol and drug use in adolescent university students.

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