HRC Announces Over $33 Million Research Funding

Friday, 17 May, 2002

Health Research Council Announces Over $33 Million Research Funding

Six major new research programmes were awarded a total of more than $11 million by the Health Research Council in its latest funding round, which was announced today.

Fetal growth and its consequences Babies who grow poorly before birth are at increased risk of health problems throughout life. Professor Jane Harding at the University of Auckland's Liggins Institute, will lead research into the role of nutrition and growth factors on growth and health before and after birth. This 36-month study was awarded $2,362,000. For information on this project - Professor Jane Harding, Phone 09 373 7599 ex 6763

Humoral, ultrasonographic and genetic prediction and protection in heart disease This programme will investigate the roles of newly discovered hormones, recently validated echocardiographic measurements and selected candidate gene variants in predicting occurrence and/or progression of disease in new onset coronary illness and in established cardiac impairment. The bioactivity and potentially therapeutic effects of the urocortins will be assessed in cardiovascular disease. Professor Mark Richards, Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, will lead this programme which will run for 36 months and has been awarded $2,260,000 HRC funding. For information on this project - Professor Mark Richards, Phone 03 364 1116

The pathogenesis and treatment of preterm brain injury Handicap in infants surviving after premature delivery remains a major problem for which there is not specific treatment. A research team at the University of Auckland's Liggins Institute, led by Dr Alistair Gunn, will use their well established models of brain injury in the near-midgestation fetal sheep to study the pathogenesis of both diffuse and cystic white matter injury and develop ways of improving long-term recovery. The project was awarded $2,054,000 HRC funding and will run for 36 months. For information on this project - Dr Alistair Gunn, Phone 09 373 7599 ex 6763

Oxidants, antioxidants and inflammatory diseases Reactive oxidants are important in aging and inflammatory diseases. The Free Radical Research Group at the University of Otago's Christchurch School of Medicine will undertake research to characterise reactions of these oxidants with biological molecules and how they affect vital functions of cells or destroy them. They will also monitor oxidative injury and its importance in diseases such as asthma, arthritis and bacterial infections.Led by Professor Christine Winterbourn, this project will run over 36 months, and was awarded HRC funding of $1,922,000. For information on this project - Professor Christine Winterbourn, Phone 03 364 0564

Structural biology of proteins of biomedical importance Proteins are the working molecules of life. Disease often results from malfunction of human proteins or from viral or bacterial proteins that attack humans. Professor Edward Baker's research team at the University of Auckland will use innovative methods to address the structure of important proteins. This will give better understanding of the molecular basis of disease and lead to new therapies through structure-based drug design or protein engineering. The project will run for 36 months and receives $1,257,000 HRC funding. For information on this project - Professor Edward Baker, 09 373 7599 ex 4415

Causes and control of non-communicable disease This programme addresses the causes and control of non-communicable diseases including respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes. A key focus of the research will be to identify risk factors and protective factors for asthma. Led by Professor Neil Pearce at the Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, this research will span 36 months and has been allocated funding of $1,254,000 by the HRC. For information on this project - Professor Neil Pearce, Phone 04 380 0606

HEALTH RESEARCH ANNUAL FUNDING ROUND RESULTS

The HRC received 221 applications in its annual project round and awarded a total of 58 contracts. These were chosen in a two-step process involving local and overseas expert referees who work in the same research area, and intense scrutiny by specialised assessing committees. The total amount for new contracts was $33.39 million (excluding GST).

NEW HRC PROGRAMMES Professor Edward Baker, Professor John Fraser, Associate Professor Peter Metcalf, Dr Clyde Smith, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 4415 Structural biology of proteins of biomedical importance, 36 Months, $1,257,000

Dr Alistair Gunn, Associate Professor Christopher E Williams, Dr Laura Bennet, The Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6763 The pathogenesis and treatment of preterm brain injury, 36 Months, $2,054,000

Professor Jane Harding, Associate Professor Bernard H Breier, Dr Mark Oliver, Professor Stewart Gilmour, Dr Frank Bloomfield, Dr Mark Vickers, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6439 Fetal growth and its consequences, 36 Months, $2,362,000

Professor Neil Pearce, Professor Mason Durie, Dr Evan Dryson, Ms Irihapeti Ramsden, Professor Graham Le Gros, Dr Chris Cunningham, Dr Sunia Foliaki, Dr Ate Moala, Ms Jacqueline M Cumming, Ms Lis Ellison-Loschmann, Mr David J McLean, Dr David Phillips, Professor Roger S Morris, Dr Jereon Douwes, Dr Erika von Mutius, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, 04 380 0606 Causes and control of non-communicable disease, 36 Months, $1,254,000

Professor Mark Richards, Dr Chris Charles, Dr Robert Doughty, Professor M Gary Nicholls, Dr Lynley Lewis, Dr John Lainchbury, Dr Miriam Rademaker, Professor Tim Yandle, Dr Vicky Cameron, Dr Barry Palmer, Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 364 1116 Humoral, Ultrasonographic and Genetic prediction and protection in Heart Disease, 36 Months, $2,260,000

Professor Christine Winterbourn, Dr Margret C M Vissers, Dr Anthony Kettle, Free Radical Research Group, Department of Pathology, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 364 0564 Oxidants, antioxidants and inflammatory diseases, 36 Months, $1,922,000

EXTENSIONS TO HRC PROGRAMMES Associate Professor Wickliffe Abraham, Dr J Wickens, Dr D S Kerr, Department of Psychology, University of Otago 03 479 7648 Cellular mechanism of learning and memory in the brain, 36 Months, $1,213,530

NEW PROJECTS Professor Wickliffe Abraham, Professor Warren Tate, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, 03 479 7648 Mechanisms of nervous system dysfunction early in Alzheimer's disease, 36 Months, $597,441

Dr Annette Beautrais, Canterbury Suicide Project, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 372 0408 A ten year follow-up study of serious attempted suicide, 36 Months, $167,396

Ms Belinda Borell, Ms Helen Moewaka Barnes, Professor Sally Casswell, Whariki, Alcohol and Public Health Research Unit, University of Auckland, 09 373 7524 Identity and Positive Youth Development, 24 Months, $198,845

Ms Amohia Boulton, Dr Chris Cunningham, Ms Jackie Cummings, Te Pumanawa Hauora, School of Maori Studies, Massey University, 06 350 5799 ex 7541 A model for understanding "Cultural" performance standards in Maori mental health, 27 Months, $153,000

Associate Professor Neil Broom, Mr Anthony E Hardy, Mr Rene Flachsmann, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Auckland, 09 3737599 ex 8974 Biomechanical vulnerability of the joint tissues w.r. to maturity and degree of degeneration, 36 Months, $396,253

Professor John Campbell, Associate Professor Robert Jacobs, Ms Clare Robertson, Mr Gordon Sanderson, Dr Ngaire Kerse, Professor Steven J La Grow, Dr Dianne Sharp, Mrs Leigh Hale, Faculty of Medicine Administration, University of Otago, 03 479 5056 Interventions to prevent falls and injury in elderly people with impaired vision, 36 Months, $933,036

Professor Sally Casswell, Dr Tim McCreanor, Professor Margaret Wetherell, Ms Helen Moewaka Barnes, Alcohol & Public Health Research Unit, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6076 Contemporary alcohol marketing: Production and interpretaion of meaning in youth cultures, 36 Months, $557,719

Associate Professor Lai-Ming Ching, Dr Phillip Kestell, Professor Peter J Browett, Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6140 Improving thalidomide-based therapies for cancer, 36 Months, $553,470

Dr Peter Crampton, Associate Professor Robin Kearns, Associate Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, Dr Sue Crengle, Professor Anthony Dowell, Dr Margaret Southwick, Mr Tom Love, Ms Bridget Allan, Dr Roshan Perera, Dr Beverly Sibthorpe, Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 6045 Performance indicators for primary care, 24 Months, $128,020

Dr Peter Crampton, Associate Professor Robin Kearns, Dr Sue Crengle, Professor Anthony Dowell, Dr Margaret Southwick, Dr Kevin Dew, Mr Tom Love, Ms Bridget Allan, Dr Roshan Perera, Dr Beverly Sibthorpe, Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 6045 Measurement of community participation in primary health organisations, 24 Months, $108,845

Professor Julian Crane, Associate Professor Edwin Mitchell, Mr Gordon Purdie, Professor Gerald Tannock, Dr Peter Black, Dr Penny Fitzharris, Dr Matire Harwood, Dr Kristin Wickens, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 5258 A trial of the effect of probiotics on the development of atopy and eczema in children, 36 Months, $990,462

Professor Julian Crane, Dr Thorsten V Stanley, Dr Penny Fitzharris, Dr Kristin Wickens, Ms Juliette Lane, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 5258 The use of probiotic bacteria in the treatment of atopic eczema in children, 12 Months, $120,980

Dr Neil de Wet, Dr Philip Weinstein, Associate Professor Richard Warrick, Dr Simon Hales, Dr Wei Ye, International Global Change Institute, University of Waikato, 07 838 5683

Hotspots II: Modelling capacity for the analysis of vector-borne disease risks in New Zealand, 24 Months, $260,400

Dr Kevin Dew, Ms Vera Keefe, Mr Tim Rochford, Ms Keitha Small, Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 6046 Nga Morehu: Negotiating cultures, 24 Months, $354,875

Professor Mason Durie, Mr John Waldon, Ms Harangi Biddle, Dr Taiarahia Black, Dr Gus Habermann, Department of Maori Studies, Massey University, 06-350-5799 ex 7603 Te Ahuatanga o Te Waiora Tamariki - A picture of child health, 36 Months, $299,000

Associate Professor Marie Dziadek, Professor Peter Smith, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 3748 The role of STIM transmembrane signalling proteins in regulation of invasive cell behaviour, 36 Months, $405,021

Ms Pania Ellison, Dr Papaarangi Reid, Ms Ruth Quirk, Te Puawai Tapu, Wellington, 04 801 8859 To tatou hokakatanga: Maori action and intervention in sexual and reproductive health, 24 Months, $370,001

Dr Janet Fanslow, Ms Marilyn Brewin, Dr Carolyn Coggan, Ms Elizabeth Robinson, Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Auckland, 09 3737599 ex 6175 Assessing violence against women in New Zealand, 36 Months, $784,171

Dr Hilda Firth, Professor Tord Kjellstrom, Professor Neil Pearce, Mr Peter Herbison, Associate Professor Anne-Marie Feyer, Dr Peter Crampton, Dr Chris Cunningham, Dr Dorothy Broom, Ms Rebecca Lilley, National Environmental and Occupational Health Research Centre, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 479 7196 Work-related determinants of health, safety and well-being of New Zealanders, 18 Months, $284,312

Dr Barbara Galland, Dr Eileen Tripp, Professor Barry Taylor, Dr David Reith, Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 474 0999 ex 8228 Sleep pathology in children with ADHD, 30 Months, $389,409

Associate Professor Philippa Gander, Professor Alistair Woodward, Dr Alexander Garden, Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 6051 Doctors' hours of work: Improving patient safety and practitioner health, 24 Months, $294,563

Dr Parry Guilford, Ms Maybelle McLeod, Professor Iain Martin, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, 03 479 5116 The initiation, progression, and chemoprevention of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, 36 Months, $1,018,694

Ms Yvette Guttenbeil, Dr Jennifer Hand, Mr Sione Tu'itahi, Public Health Promotion, Auckland District Health Board, 09 845 0955 ex 8112 Gambling issue of Tongan in Auckland, 18 Months, $162,387

Dr Michael Hubbard, Dr Rod Sayer, Mr John Mangum, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, 03 479 7831 Calbindin phosphorylation in dental enamel cells and brain, 36 Months, $943,088

Professor Michael Kalloniatis, Associate Professor Seong-Seng Tan, Dept of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, 09 373 7999

Cellular diversity of developing mouse retina and cortex revealed by multispectral analysis, 36 Months, $444,339

Professor Graham Le Gros, Dr Franca Ronchese, Dr William Paul, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, 04 389 5096 Basic biology of Th2 immune responses in protective immunity and allergic diseases, 36 Months, $822,616

Dr Simon Malpas, Dr Carolyn Barrett, Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 4584 Does angiotensin II play a role in the long term regulation of sympathetic nerve activity?, 36 Months, $680,514

Dr Marion Maw, Dr Michael Denton, Dr Peter Dearden, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, 03 479 5121 Genes responsible for retinal disorders: Identification and characterisation, 36 Months, $831,851

Ms Kim McGregor, Ms Marilyn Brewin, Dr Carolyn Coggan, Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Auckland, 09 373 7450 Improving public health responses for survivors of child sexual abuse, 30 Months, $241,096

Ms Helen Moewaka Barnes, Professor Sally Casswell, Whariki, Alcohol & Public Health Research Unit, University of Auckland, 09 373 7524 Maori quantitative research methodologies and methods, 24 Months, $200,000

Dr Kathleen Mountjoy, Dr Jurgen Naggert, Department of Molecular Medicine and Physiology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6447 Identification of a novel obesity gene, 36 Months, $758,335

Dr Julie Park, Associate Professor Robin Kearns, Dr Linda Bryder, Dr Heather Worth, Dr Judith Littleton, Dr Carolyn Dakin, Dr Hans Dieter-Bader, Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 8589 Political ecology of tuberculosis in New Zealand - past and present, 36 Months, $307,197

Dr Lindsay Plank, Associate Professor Edward Gane, Associate Professor Jonathan Koea, Associate Professor John McCall, Professor Stephen Munn, Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6949 Immunonutritional therapy in liver transplant patients - a randomised trial, 48 Months, $880,796

Professor Anthony Reeve, Associate Professor Han-Seung Yoon, Dr Parry Guilford, Associate Professor John McCall, Professor Nikola Kasabov, Dr Mark W Thompson-Fawcett, Mr Arend Merrie, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, 03 479 7699 Predicting colorectal cancer outcome using gene expression profiling, 36 Months, $1,286,051

Professor Mark Richards, Dr Ian Crozier, Dr John Lainchbury, Dr John Elliot, Professor Gary Nicholls, Dr Richard Hillock, Dr David Smyth, Dr Mark Davis, Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 364 1116 BNP infusions and ventricular remodelling in acute myocardial infarction, 36 Months, $158,774

Dr Derelie Richards, Dr Elisabeth Wells, Professor Les Toop, Professor David Fergusson, Associate Professor George Abbott, Professor Ian Town, Ms Suzanne Pitama, Ms Claire Dowson, Dr Peter George, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 364 0497 A study of the dose response association between infant iron status and later cognitive functioning, 60 Months, $696,036

Dr Franca Ronchese, Professor Graham S LeGros, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, 04 389 5096 ex 828 Regulation of the immune response by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and perforin, 36 Months, $548,664

Mr Robert Siebers, Professor Julian Crane, Professor Ian Town, Dr Penny Fitzharris, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 6237 Effects of indoor microbial exposure on the development of respiratory diseases in children, 24 Months, $75,884

Dr Ralph Stewart, Professor Mark Richards, Dr Robert Doughty, Dr John Lainchbury, Professor Harvey White, Dr Michael Williams, Dr Andrew Kerr, Dr Ivor Gerber, Auckland Healthcare, 09 630 9903 Natriuretic peptides in heart valve disease, 36 Months, $622,876

Dr Robin Taylor, Dr Martin Kennedy, Professor Ian Town, Respiratory Research Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, 03 474 0999 ex 8785 Effect of ß-adrenoceptor haplotype on bronchodilator response and tolerance to ß-agonists, 18 Months, $147,867

Professor Ian Town, Associate Professor Julian Crane, Dr Philip Pattemore,

Dr Penny Fitzharris, Dr Robert Siebers, Dr Matire Harwood, Dr Michael Epton, Dr Kristin Wickens, Ms Robin Kelly, Ms Mary Duignan, Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, 03 364 0640 ex 89024 Atopy and asthma at age 6 amongst the infant cohort study, 60 Months, $1,322,757

NEW HRC STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS Associate Professor John Broughton, Ngai Tahu Maori Health Research Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, 03 479 7201 Oranga niho: A kaupapa Maori review of Maori dental health service provision, 24 Months, $38,400

Dr Mavis Duncanson, Professor Alistair Woodward, Professor John Langley, Associate Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, Dr Papaarangi Reid, Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, 04 385 5999 ex 5072 Effective interventions to reduce risk of fire-related injury, 24 Months, $68,142

Mr John Fenaughty, Dr Nicola Gavey, Dr Virginia Braun, Department of Psychology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6309 Rape and non-consensual sex: Health issues for gay and bisexual identified men, 30 Months, $99,928

Miss Carla Houkamau, , Department of Psychology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 7198 An exploration of the relationship between culture and health for Maori women, 12 Months, $8,203

Ms Vera Keefe, Mr Ngahiwi Tomoana, Te Roopu Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pomare, Wellington School of Medicine, 04 385 5924 Kimioranga: He kakano, 18 Months, $99,553

Dr Jacqueline Keenan, Mr Mark Hampton, Associate Professor Stuart Thompson, Dr Anthony Moran, Department of Surgery, Christchurch School of Medicine, 03 364 0570 Helicobacter pylori infection, host iron deficiency and the risk of disease, 24 Months, $99,658

Dr Tim McCreanor, Dr Peter Watson, Ms Helen Moewaka Barnes, Dr Melani Anae, Mr Shane Edwards, Ms V Jensen, APHRU/Whariki, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 6104 Designing community development for youth in Counties/Manukau, 12 Months, $76,512

Ms Stephanie Palmer, Professor Mason Durie, Dr Chris Cunningham, Te Pumanawa Hauora ki Manawatu, Te Tari Maori, Massey University, 07 866 8579 Hei oranga mo nga wahine hapu i roto i te whare ora, 12 Months, $20,000

Mrs Lynne Pere, Professor Mason Durie, Dr Chris Cunningham, Te Pumanawa Hauora, Te Putahi-a-Toi, Massey University, 04 380 0623 The relationship between cultural identity and wellbeing for Maori, 24 Months, $27,000

Ms Janice Wenn, Professor Mason Durie, Dr Chris Cunningham, Te Pumanawa Hauora ki Manawatu, Te Tari Maori, Massey University, Kaupapa Hauora and quality services - An exploratory study of a changing concept, 30 Months, $28,830

Ends.

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