Research Projects
Life and death of Australopithicus sediba: how a potential ancestor ended up dead in a cave in world heritage site in South Africa (Old ID 20796)
Paul Dirks
12 Mar 2014 - 31 Dec 2017
In August 2008 the remarkable Malapa fossil site was discovered with remains of the first and only fossils of Australopithecus sediba - a potential direct human ancestor. The fossils are in an exceptional state of preservation, and excavations will start in late 2013, creating a unique opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of the chemical, physical and biological factors that led to burial and fossilisation. This research will focus on the complex interplay between termites, sediment chemistry, landscape conditions and palaeo-climate as contributing factors to fossil preservation. Results will document the environment in which sediba lived and died, and assist future exploration for hominid fossils.
Maximising genetic growth potential of barramundi in different culture environments. (Old ID 22428)
Dean Jerry
11 Nov 2015 - 31 Dec 2017
Good Fortune Bay Fisheries (GFB) is Australia's largest farmed barramundi producer. GFB operates two farms, one located north of Bowen where barramundi are reared in a high density. Brackish water raceway culture system and the other in Kelso, where fish are reared in freshwater earthen ponds. The company holds the largest number of barramundi stock in the country and is Queensland's largest hatchery facility. Given a need to maintain domestic and international competitiveness GFB has identified genetic improvement of their stocks as the highest R&D priority for the company. Due to the unique culture systems they farm barramundi in, however, GFB recognise there are critical knowledge gaps that need to be overcome before they can produce an improved strain that maximises genetic gain under both culture environments (marine/freshwater & pond/raceway).
Portable Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Detection (Old ID 22435)
George Vamvounis
01 Dec 2015 - 31 Dec 2017
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic contaminants in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) especially in areas near industrial, port and shipping activities. PAH monitoring is costly and complex. A portable technology for the quick detection of environmentally persistent and toxic PAHs will be developed using a new colourimetric detection technology based on photochromic compounds. This technology has been successfully used for sensing nitroaromatic-based explosives and will here be applied to strongly UV-absorbing PAHs. This work will be performed in collaboration with an end-user: Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Tropical Disease - immunity, pathogenesis and vaccine development: global translation. (Old ID 22490)
Denise Doolan
01 Jan 2013 - 31 Dec 2017
Malaria, helminths and streptococci are poorly controlled and neglected pathogens of global significance causing major morbidity and mortality - particularly in disadvantaged communities. This Program brings together a multidisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians who will leverage their unparalleled understanding of tropical health, microbiology and pathogenesis of these infections to develop new therapeutics and vaccines. The Program has both standard and unique animal models and unrivalled access to controlled human experimental infections, clinical trials and longitudinal field studies to define the impact of infection on the host immune response.
Building a simulation model to improve cardiovascular disease risk prediction and treatment for indigenous Australians (Old ID 22925)
Robyn McDermott
01 Jan 2016 - 31 Dec 2020
This project will use a large linked cohort of 2800 Indigenous adults from north Queensland remote communities which looks at reasons for the excess cardiovascular risk in this group. The aim is to get better measures of risk of heart disease and premature death which can be done by primary health care services for better early detection and better management and survival.
NESP 3.7 Barriers to Restoration and NbS (Old ID 28996)
Nathan Waltham
01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
Coastal and marine restoration in Australia has been hindered by the ability for project managers to obtain approval. This project examines the barriers and challenges presenting project managers keen to begin restoration projects. The project will work through a series of case studies from SA, Tasmania, NSW and QLD focusing on oyster and tidal ingress project approaches. The outcomes of this research will outline areas in policy requiring changes and identify a consistent approach for project managers working in several states across Australia.
Incorporating genome editing into the aquaculture industry in Australia (Old ID 29013)
Dean Jerry
29 May 2023 - 29 May 2024
Professor Jehee Lee from Jeju International University, South Korea has agreed to allow me to visit his lab and receive extensive training in genome editing. He has successfully genetically edited numerous species of fish to optimise and select for commercial traits valuable to the aquaculture industry. Visiting with Professor Lee, as well as with other members of his lab, would allow me to gain the techniques and skills necessary to develop a general protocol applicable for a variety of aquaculture species.
Protecting north Queensland from Aedes albopictus, an exotic dengue vector, with Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB) (Old ID 26789)
Tanya Russell
13 Mar 2020 - 12 Mar 2022
Aedes albopictus, a documented vector of dengue, Zika and chikungunya, is one of the fastest spreading invasive species worldwide, and was first detected in the Torres Strait in 2005. This pilot project will lay the foundation required to assess the feasibility of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB) to control Aedes albopictus. The overall objective is to determine the frequency that mosquitos’ sugar feed, a parameter critical to the success of ATSBs. This pilot data will be leveraged for funding to trial the use of ATSBs to stop Ae. albopictus from reaching the mainland.
Lobster Aquaculture Groote Eylandt Phase 1 (Old ID 26976)
Clive Jones
15 Aug 2020 - 30 Nov 2020
The project seeks to assess and develop tropical rock lobster aquaculture on Groote Eylandt. Phase 1 will quantitatively assess the local resource of naturally settling post-larval lobsters. If the seed lobsters are available, Phase 2 will comprise development of nursery and grow out of the lobsters. The project includes aspects of resource assessment, training, production technology extension, social science, economics and marketing.
STRengthening Systems for Indigenous Health Equity (CRE-STRIDE) (Old ID 27033)
Sarah Larkins
01 Nov 2019 - 31 Oct 2024
Growing international evidence places community-led comprehensive primary health care (PHC) systems as a central driver in improving health equity, and intersectoral action to address the social and cultural determinants of health (SCDH) mostly responsible for health inequities including racism and social exclusion, connection to family, community and culture, education and housing. Participatory Quality Improvement (QI) methods have led to substantial progress in many aspects of Indigenous PHC. Yet some of the most significant areas for improvement cannot be adequately addressed solely through the current strong clinical focus of QI. Indigenous health systems are characterised by fragmentation and detached from the priorities and leadership of communities. Further, performance between PHCs and different aspects of clinical care continues to be variable. The CRE-STRIDE co-produces novel research with Indigenous community and other PHC stakeholders to address these gaps by further embedding QI knowledge into policy and practice; enhancing the involvement of Indigenous communities in QI, and expanding QI processes to address the SCDH. Our specific strategies include: i) Indigenous research leadership and two-way mentoring and learning; ii) strengthening QI processes within PHC systems and enhancing community linkages; and iii) extending QI processes and collaborations across sectors to promote health and strengthen determinants of wellbeing.