Research Areas

Improving cancer screening and surveillance

Despite the growing burden of cancer, prognoses for many cancer patients are improving, with survival rates on the rise and an increasingly effective variety of screening techniques, therapies and preventive strategies available. Our work aims to identify and reduce inequalities in cancer outcomes.

Identifying factors which influence cancer risk, survival and survivorship

Research indicates modifiable lifestyle factors impact cancer risk, as well as quality of life and survival in people diagnosed with cancer. The overall aim of this research is to investigate the role that lifestyle factors play in the risk and management of chronic diseases, particularly cancer.

Nutritional genetics to risk factor discovery

Due to recent advances in gene discovery, it is now possible to examine the joint effects of genes and environment. This will help us to establish whether making changes where we can, such as diet and lifestyle, can ameliorate adverse influences caused by susceptibility genes, which we cannot alter.

Dissecting the genetic aetiology of complex diseases and traits

Humans differ in a range of traits, and our susceptibility to disease also varies. Studies into the similarity between family members have suggested that genetic factors contribute to a large proportion of these individual differences.

Genetic differences in drug responses

Pharmacogenomics testing, the analysis of a patient’s genetic makeup related to the transport, metabolism and targets of drugs, is one of the most important avenues to personalising a patient’s treatment.

Uncovering the genetic causes of Epilepsy and the associated comorbidities

Epilepsy is one of the most common and serious neurological disorders. People with epilepsy experience recurrent and unprovoked seizures and it affects more than 2% of the worldwide population.

Improving statistical methods for whole genome analysis

In the genomic era, there are numerous genotype and phenotype data publicly available as a form of ‘big genomic data’. Genome-wide genotype information has provided valuable insights into the genetic basis of complex human diseases.

Towards appropriate care and improved patient outcomes

The cost of health care in Australia is over a quarter of a million dollars each minute (nearly 10% of GDP), and is rising faster than the cost of living. Combined with an ageing population and new, highly effective but expensive treatments, we are facing an affordability crisis.

Systems approach to reduce the impact of adversity

Adversity, especially in childhood, is associated with poor health and negative social and economic consequences. This research program is designed to better understand pathways into adversity and poor outcomes and options for intervening to disrupt these pathways.

Augmented reality to improve disease management

Each year, the economy invests around $30 billion in research and development. Yet the majority of research outcomes and interventions remain inaccessible. To speed successful translation of clinical research into practice, a revolutionary approach is required.

Environment and health

The places where we live, shop, work, and play have been shown to contribute importantly to the way we feel, the decisions we make, and our general health. These environments can also provide valuable information on the health of our communities.

Pharmacometrics for Precision Health

Pharmacometric analysis (modelling and simulation) is a tool to translate basic and clinical research into improved pharmacotherapetic use. Pharmacometrics is the science which deals with the quantitative description of disease, drug effects and variability.