UNSW researchers awarded over $25m in MRFF grants

Research to unlock life-changing benefits from advanced DNA analysis

Dr Ira Deveson from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Medicine & Health has been awarded $4.95 million for a national initiative that uses the latest DNA sequencing technologies to see parts of the genome that were previously difficult or impossible to analyse.

With around half of patients with genetic disorders remaining undiagnosed after conventional analysis, the team will address long-standing challenges in diagnosing inherited diseases, especially those that couldn’t be detected using standard genetic testing.

“Many inherited conditions remain undiagnosed because current technologies miss important parts of the genome,” Dr Deveson said. 

“Long-read sequencing allows us to capture far more information – including structural changes and complex repetitive DNA sequences – giving us new opportunities to understand disease and improve patient outcomes.”

A key focus will be on equity in genomics, working in partnership with Indigenous Australians and other under-represented communities to build genomic reference data that better reflects the diversity of the Australian population.

This national collaboration builds on two earlier MRFF Incubator projects led by Dr Deveson, which laid the foundation for long-read sequencing (LRS) analysis in genetic disease and Indigenous genomics. His team has already demonstrated the potential of this approach through their recent work using LRS, where they generated the most comprehensive picture to date of Indigenous genomic diversity, identifying more than 300 unique structural variants per individual that were missed by conventional methods. 

The new funding supports the next phase of research, moving from technical development to clinical application.

The project brings together a multidisciplinary team from the Garvan Institute and partner institutions including the Australian National University’s National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, the MJD Foundation, UNSW School of Computer Science and the University of Adelaide’s Australian Centre for Ancient DNA.

Cutting-edge therapeutic treatments for chronic kidney disease

Associate Professor Sradha Kotwal, Program Head of Renal and Metabolic at The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Medicine & Health, has been awarded $4.9 million for a first-of-its-kind trial to transform chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that contributes to thousands of deaths in Australia every year. 

“For too many people, CKD is a slow, silent decline toward kidney failure,” said A/Prof. Kotwal. 

“Current standard care often feels like a waiting game rather than a solution. By the time patients reach the stage of needing dialysis, half won’t survive beyond five years.”

Currently, newer treatments show promise in slowing CKD but haven’t been able to halt the disease entirely. The MRFF funding will help A/Prof. Kotwal and her team investigate the efficacy of combination treatments for patients with CDK as part of the international Phase III CAPTIVATE trial.

The trial, working across five countries, will test how different combinations of therapies slow down kidney function decline, with the goal of rapidly discovering effective treatments. 

“Combining these treatments has worked well in conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure, but we still don't know how to effectively use them together for CKD,” she said.

“The CAPTIVATE trial is about changing the trajectory, so that CKD is no longer a life sentence, but a disease we can truly manage to slow its course,” A/Prof. Kotwal said. 

Transforming long-term outcomes for managing chronic lower back pain

Professor James McAuley from UNSW Medicine & Health and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) has been awarded more than $2.5 million for a trial investigating ways to treat chronic lower back pain. It will compare two evidence-based approaches: graded sensory motor retraining and manual therapies.

Trials by Prof. McAuley’s team have previously shown that manual therapies, like those from a physiotherapist or chiropractor, don’t provide an effective long-term solution for chronic lower back pain. This condition affects more than half a billion people worldwide, and is a major cause of physical disability. 

The graded sensory motor retraining, which Prof. McAuley and his team designed, improves on these outcomes by retraining the neuro-pain system. 

“We know that supervised exercises are currently the gold standard for managing back pain, however, these only have short-term effects. Patients will feel better, but this dissipates quickly, and in three to six months is gone,” Prof. McAuley said. 

“The graded sensory motor retraining is exciting because it could have longer term and sustained effects. This trial will seek to compare the pain retraining intervention against the gold standard and analyse which will be a better evidence-based therapy.”

Combination therapy in septic shock

Associate Professor Naomi Hammond, Program Lead of the Critical Care Division at The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Medicine & Health, has been awarded $5 million for a first-of-its-kind study looking at increasing survival and recovery rates for sepsis patients.

The FludrocortIsoNE in Septic Shock Evaluation: FINESSE adaptive randomised clinical trial will be conducted by The George Institute for Global Health in conjunction with Sepsis Australia.

The trial will explore different doses of a corticosteroid – fludrocortisone – in combination with hydrocortisone on survival and functional outcomes for critically ill patients with septic shock, versus hydrocortisone alone.

Sepsis is a major global public health problem impacting an estimated 50 million people and causing 11 million deaths (one in five of all deaths) every year, including around 8700 in Australia, surpassing deaths from colorectal cancer, breast cancer and road accidents. 

“Sepsis research is characterised by many failed trials, with 90-day mortality rates in septic shock remaining unacceptably high – above 30% – for the past 10 years. This indicates a high unmet need for improved adjunct therapies including corticosteroids. These medicines have shown promise, but trials have not been conclusive,” said A/Prof. Hammond.

Some studies suggest combining hydrocortisone with fludrocortisone can reduce the risk of death. However, without substantial evidence, many doctors are unsure about its use and proper dosage. 

“Our study has the potential to reduce death and long-term disability in people with sepsis. By answering the lingering question of whether fludrocortisone in combination with hydrocortisone is effective, we could make a huge impact globally on patient survival, get more people well and back to living their lives sooner, and also reduce the burden on costly intensive care services in hospitals,” A/Prof. Hammond said. 

Intergenerational program for those experiencing cognitive decline

Professor Ruth Peters from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Medicine & Health has been awarded $944,000 for a project that aims to develop a community-based approach to managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with input from people who have lived experience of the condition.

MCI, which involves minor but noticeable memory loss or cognitive changes, is a key risk factor for dementia. While MCI itself does not usually interfere with daily tasks, it can harm mental health, independence and overall wellbeing.

About half a million Australians are living with MCI, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages. Up to 92% of cases of MCI go undiagnosed, and stigma surrounding dementia prevents people from seeking help, meaning many with MCI miss out on care and support. With limited specific treatments available for MCI, it’s important to focus on developing community-based programs and non-drug-based solutions.

“Evidence shows that people who have mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers value activities that bring wellbeing and social engagement, and improve mood and cognition, but are currently missing community-based activities that provide these benefits,” Prof. Peters said.

“Intergenerational programs that bring together older adults and children to engage in activities of mutual learning, connection and support have potential to offer these benefits. Our program will be the first targeted community-based intergenerational program designed to support the MCI population.”

The project will test the impact of community-based activities on wellbeing and quality of life and will develop public health recommendations based on the results. The 15-week program will include weekly sessions during preschool hours, incorporating physical, cognitive and social activities to support balance, memory and teamwork between older adults and children. Weekly themes will keep the sessions engaging, and a respite area will be available for caregivers, who will not participate in the activities.

“Through the study, we want to focus on wellbeing, responding to feedback from people with lived experience who emphasised its importance to them,” Prof. Peters said.

The goal is to develop community-based programs that help individuals with MCI live more fulfilling, connected lives, offering a meaningful, person-centred approach to optimising quality of life.

Helping aged care services support people in making their own decisions

Dr Craig Sinclair from the School of Psychology at UNSW Science and a conjoint senior researcher at NeuRA has been awarded $397,000. His project will help Australian aged care services support people in making their own decisions, as required by the new Aged Care Act and quality standards.

Supported decision-making can involve staff, carers or family members assisting a person to understand elements of a decision and to express their preferences. 

For a person with memory loss, this might be through providing prompts or decision aids which can assist in retaining information. For a person with communication difficulties, this may be using alternative methods to enable the person to express their preferences.

The project will focus on training aged care staff and will be relevant to the care of those living with dementia or other acquired disabilities in the aged care setting. 

“With the prevalence of dementia being more than 50% in residential aged care settings, dementia is one of the key conditions that will be addressed through these resources and training materials,” Dr Sinclair said.

“We will be collaborating with aged care service users, advocacy services and people living with dementia to develop training resources. We will be assisting aged care providers to review and update their policies, train staff and educate decision supporters about their role.”

The researchers will test these resources through a controlled trial and interviews with staff and aged care residents.

Dr Sinclair and his team will develop resources and hands-on learning methods, and they will evaluate how well the approach works.

The project team will be partnering with Brightwater Care Group, BaptistCare and the Older Persons Advocacy Network.

Improving models of care for people living with HIV

Dr Skye McGregor and Professor Claire Vajdic from the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney have been awarded more than $1.9 million. The four-year project, co-led by qualitative researchers at La Trobe University, is a collaboration between community, academic, government and clinical stakeholders, and aims to reshape and improve care models for people living with HIV in Australia.

For the first time, the funding will focus on survivorship care – the ongoing care received beyond initial treatment of a major illness or health condition – for people living with HIV.

“In Australia, there are approximately 29,000 people living with HIV who require continuous treatment, healthcare and support,” said Prof. Vajdic. 

“Although life expectancy for those on treatment has increased substantially, HIV remains a lifelong chronic disease that can require complex care plans, particularly in the context of an ageing population. There are also people with varied health and social care needs, including gay and bisexual men, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

Dr McGregor said, “People with HIV experience a significantly higher burden of co-infections, chronic conditions and age-related diseases. 

“It is essential to take a tailored approach to provide appropriate and accessible care for people living with HIV in Australia to ensure equitable outcomes for all.”

Other Kirby Institute investigators are Professor Rebecca Guy and Drs Hamish McManus and Ben Bavinton. They are joined by colleagues from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University and the School of Population Health at Curtin University, as well as important partner organisations ASHM, Health Equity Matters, National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA), Positive Life NSW, WAAC (formerly Western Australian AIDS Council) and Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia/Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative.

Cancer survivorship care for adolescents and young adults

Dr Christina Signorelli from UNSW Medicine & Health has been awarded $1.9 million for an innovative cancer survivorship care program designed for adolescents and young adults.

“The number of young adults who survive cancer after being diagnosed between ages 15-39 is growing, with the potential to live for many more decades after active treatment,” Dr Signorelli said.

“Unfortunately, these survivors face an increased risk of long-term health issues like chronic diseases or disability, secondary cancers, fertility problems, mental health challenges, unhealthy behaviours, and financial hardship from their cancer experience.”

Despite these known risks, most adolescent and young adult cancer survivors do not receive regular follow-up care to check for and manage their unique health needs after cancer treatment ends. There are many factors which make it difficult to get the right survivorship care, and at the time when they need it. 

“Our goal is to empower young cancer survivors to become expert patients, equipped with the knowledge and skills to proactively manage their health and thrive in the years to come,” Dr Signorelli said.

“By leveraging the strengths of our diverse partners across clinical, community and research sectors, this program demonstrates how co-designed initiatives can truly overcome barriers to care and deliver equitable health outcomes for young Australians impacted by cancer.”

The program will be distance-delivered, support self-management and improve access to care. By working closely with young people and GPs, the program will aim to create a patient-centred model that overcomes common barriers and supports better long-term outcomes.

The program will work collaboratively with organisations including Cancer Council NSW, Cancer Institute NSW, Canteen, The Kids Cancer Project, and Redkite to ensure that evidence-based solutions translate into meaningful health outcomes for young cancer survivors.

An Indigenous youth-led model of care

Professor Maree Toombs from UNSW Medicine & Health has been awarded $845,000 for the ‘Healing our spirit: Indigenous youth-led model of care’ project.

The project pilots the use of a therapeutic model of mental health care developed by Yolngu people aged 15-24 years for Indigenous young people with depression and/or anxiety. 

It will assess the acceptability and feasibility of the model in a remote Indigenous community. 

This unique project recognises the untapped potential of Indigenous youth as agents of their own healing. 

“Our people are sick and dying, young and old, and unfortunately Western medicine is not working on its own... We need to give priority to cultural ways of healing to bring balance and better outcomes in education and health,” said Rirratjingu Elder Yalmay Yunupingu in her acceptance speech for Senior Australian of the Year 2024.

Yalmay Yunupingu is one of the Elders participating in the ‘Healing our Spirit’ project. 

Transforming support for disruptive student behaviour in diverse school communities

Professor Eva Kimonis from UNSW Science has been awarded $996,000 to lead an innovative early intervention research program that brings clinical expertise into schools and classrooms to support children with complex behavioural needs. 

The project aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of students with disruptive, destructive and aggressive behaviour in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and rural communities through school-based intervention that connects educators and families.

It investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an enhanced version of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) – an internationally recognised treatment for childhood disruptive behaviour disorders involving intensive in-vivo coaching of caregivers using a bug-in-ear device from a therapist behind a one-way mirror – co-produced with Southwest Sydney schools. 

“Many current interventions don’t work for children with the most severe behavioural issues or fail to generalise improvements from home to the classroom,” said Prof Kimonis. 

“We’re addressing those challenges head-on by delivering cutting-edge interventions in schools and fostering real collaboration between parents and teachers.”

The intervention is being implemented with Kindergarten to Year 2 students at public primary schools across regional and CALD communities in NSW. Using a cluster randomised controlled trial design, schools will be randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or after a waitlist period. 

Comprehensive assessments will be conducted before, after and three months post-intervention to track changes in child behaviour, mental health, quality of life and family functioning.

The project is especially focused on equity. Interpreter and technology assistance will be used to ensure non-English-speaking families can access support. This novel approach also aims to uncover the mechanisms behind therapeutic change, with the goal of refining theoretical models for disruptive behaviour and improving treatment for non-responders.

“This project is about more than behaviour change,” said Prof Kimonis. “It’s about empowering teachers and parents, reducing barriers to care and giving children a better chance at success – regardless of where they live or what language they speak at home.”

The research is being conducted by an internationally recognised team of experts in child clinical psychology and health economics, in partnership with 17 NSW public primary schools.

Preventing adolescent depression by targeting sleep

Associate Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler from The Black Dog Institute and UNSW Medicine & Health has been awarded $816,000 for a project aimed at preventing adolescent depression.

“Adolescent depression is a huge public health concern, and there’s an urgent need for effective prevention strategies. Poor sleep is a strong risk factor for depression, and this project will explore practical ways to tackle it within the classroom setting,” A/Prof. Werner-Seidler said. 

“This funding is critically important in advancing the ways we reduce depression risk in young people.”

The project investigates the effects of a school sleep health program that combines classroom-based sleep health education with support from school wellbeing teams for students experiencing poor sleep.

Project outcomes will establish the feasibility and value of this approach in reducing adolescent depression risk.

“This grant brings together the sleep, mental health and education fields to deliver sleep health education at school and provide tailored support to school students showing disrupted sleep patterns,” A/Prof. Werner-Seidler said.