Diving into new discoveries
Research projects on defeating hospital super-bugs, the adaptation of coral reefs to global warming and early intervention in schizophrenia are among the beneficiaries of Round Two of the Queensland Government’s $200 million Smart State Innovation Funds.
Over $2 million is supporting seven Smart State Fellowships, three Queensland Clinical Research Fellowships and internship programs at three Queensland universities.
The Smart State Fellowships provide early or mid-career researchers with funding over three years to undertake innovative research in Queensland.
The research of Dr Amanda Mabbett from the School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences at The University of Queensland (UQ) aims to defeat the hospital super-bug, golden staph.
Dr Christelle Capini from UQ’s Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine is developing a new way to treat rheumatoid arthritis using a patient’s own auto-immune system.
Associate Professor Roslyn Boyd at UQ’s School of Medicine is researching the effectiveness of a range of cerebral palsy management practices.
The research of Dr Line Bay at James Cook University focuses on the adaptation of corals to global climate change.
Dr Timothy Dargaville from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is developing a new approach to treating burn-related scars using a special
polymer bandage.
Dr Joanne Voisey from QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation is conducting research that could lead to a genetic test and early intervention program to better treat schizophrenia.
Dr Wayde Martens, also from QUT, is determining whether nano-technology can purify water.
In addition, three Queensland Clinical Research Fellowships were awarded.
Professor John Upham from the Princess Alexandra Hospital is investigating new ways to treat asthmas and allergies.
Dr Kerrod Hallett from the Children’s Oral Health Service at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is trialling a unique bacterial test and mouth rinse to prevent childhood tooth decay.
Dr Robert Henderson also from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is conducting research into the diagnosis and treatment of motor neurone disease.
Website: http://www.sd.qld.gov.au/
Last reviewed 5 September 2007
