$43 Million Research Funding Announced

Health Research Council Announces Over $43 Million Research Funding

Seven major research programmes were awarded a total of more than $17.75 million by the Health Research Council of New Zealand in its latest funding round, which was announced today.

The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study

This long term study at the University of Otago, led by Associate Professor Richie Poulton, is entering its 33rd year and will receive $3.5M HRC funding over three years.

The funding will allow further study of the 1,000 individuals studied since birth at age 32 and processes by which adversity and advantage shape a number of health outcomes. Government funding agencies world-wide view the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study as a model of success for policy-relevant longitudinal research.

For information on this study

Associate Professor Richie Poulton ph 03 479 8508 x8504

University of Auckland's Bone Research Group, led by Professor Ian Reid benefits from approximately $3.1M funding over three years for studies in bone and calcium metabolism. Long-term HRC funding has enabled the group to develop their programme of research. A key goal of the group is development of new therapies that will reverse the damage caused by osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases through stimulating the growth of new bone.

For information on this study

Professor Ian Reid ph 09 373 7599 x86259

Detection, prevention and therapy of Type-2 diabetes

The HRC also awarded $3.1M funding to a major University of Auckland research programme led by Professor Garth Cooper. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in New Zealand and rates in Maori and Pacific are particularly high. Professor Cooper and his team intend that investigations of this study will lead to effective new methods for detection, prevention and therapy of Type-2-diabetes.

For information on this study

Professor Garth Cooper 09 373 7599 x87239

Neurodegenerative diseases of the brain

The HRC awarded over $1.7M to extend its current support of the research programme by University of Auckland's Professor Richard Faull and Professor Mike Dragunow. Professors Faull and Dragunow and their team are leaders in the study of neurodegenerative diseases of the brain, particularly Huntington's Disease. Their research over the next two years will focus on the genetic, cellular and chemical bases of these diseases.

For information on this study

Professor Richard Faull 09 373 7599 x86708

Te Pumanawa Hauora Research Programme

A major research programme, Te Pumanawa Hauora, led by Professor Mason Durie at Massey University (based at the Wellington and Palmerston North campuses) receives over $1.6M over three years to continue a broad research programme, focusing on evidence-based research for Maori. Outcomes are linked to measurable gains in social, cultural and economic development.

For information on this study

Professor Mason Durie 06 350 5799 x7603

Regulation of immunity and immune mediated diseases

Wellington's Malaghan Institute of Medical Research receives more than $1.6M funding for a major three-year research programme on the regulation of immunity and immune-mediated diseases, led by Dr Franca Ronchese.

For information on this study

Dr Franca Ronchese 04 389 5096 x828

Genetics and epigenetics in cancer

The HRC awarded over $3M to continue funding the University of Auckland's multidisciplinary cancer programme led by Professor Anthony Reeve for studies into cancer genetics and epigenetics.

The long-term goal of this multidisciplinary programme is to provide clinical information and technologies that will help the cancer patient.

For information on this study

Professor Anthony Reeve 03 350 5799 x7603

For further information this announcement :

Barbara Crocker, HRC Manager Communications

Phone 09-303 5202 (w) or 021 433 676

Full details of the results of the funding round follow:

...mtc

HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND (HRC)

ANNUAL FUNDING ROUND RESULTS

The HRC received 252 applications in its annual project round and awarded a total of 51 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 $43.47 million (excluding GST).

NEW HRC PROGRAMMES

Professor Garth Cooper, Associate Professor John Baker, Dr Aimin Xu, Dr Anthony RJ Phillips, Dr Bridget Leonard, Dr Christina Buchanan, Dr Fiona Leahy, Dr Kerry M Loomes, Dr Sally D Poppitt, Dr Shaoping Zhang, Dr Yu Wang, Ms Rachel Watson, Professor Joerg Kistler, Professor Sir John Scott

Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 87239

Targeting Type-2 Diabetes. 36 months, $3,092,744

Professor Mason Durie, Associate Professor Chris Cunningham, Dr Maureen Holdaway, Dr Stephanie Palmer, Dr Te Kani Kingi, Mr John Waldon, Ms Amohia Boulton, Ms Sharon Taite, Professor Neil Pearce

Department of Maori Studies, Massey University, 06 356 9099 ex 7603

Te Pumanawa Hauora. 36 months, $1,647,001

Associate Professor Richie Poulton, Dr Joanne Baxter, Associate Professor Murray Thomson, Professor Malcolm Sears, Associate Professor Charlotte Paul, Dr Nigel Dickson

Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 479 8508

Development of risk for chronic diseases: A longitudinal multidisciplinary study. 36 months, $3,536,600

Professor Anthony Reeve, Dr Ian Morison, Dr Parry Guilford

Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, 03 479 7699

Genetics and epigenetics of cancer. 36 months, $3,065,658

Professor Ian Reid, Associate Professor Jillian Cornish, Associate Professor Tim Cundy, Dr Andrew Grey

Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86259

Studies in bone and calcium metabolism. 36 months, $3,087,961

Dr Franca Ronchese, Dr Joanna Kirman, Professor Graham Le Gros

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, 04 389 5096 ex 828

Regulation of immunity and immune mediated diseases. 36 months, $1,604,860

HRC PROGRAMME EXTENSION

Professor Richard Faull, Professor Michael Dragunow

Department of Anatomy with Radiology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86708

Neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. 24 months, $1,723,150

NEW PROJECTS

Associate Professor Bruce Arroll, Dr Ngaire Kerse, Dr Sue Crengle, Dr Timothy Kenealy

Department of General Practice, University of Auckland, 09 3737 599 ex 86978

Randomised controlled trial of two methods of delayed prescriptions for anitbiotics for the common cold. 16 months, $135,515

Professor Edward Baker, Dr Clyde Smith, Dr J Shaun Lott, Dr Vickery Arcus

School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 84415

A structural genomics approach to TB biology. 36 months, $1,154,197

Dr Annette Beautrais

Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, 03 372 0408

Analysis of study of impact of suicide on close family members. 24 months, $55,822

Dr Annette Beautrais

Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, 03 372 0408

Putting up the barriers: evaluation of the Grafton Bridge experiment. 36 months, $40,304

Professor Sally Casswell, Dr Megan Pledger, Ms Lanuola Asiasiga, Ms Wendy Henwood, Ms Taisia Huckle

Centre for Social & Health Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Massey University, 09 366 6136

Alcogenic environments: effects of alcohol access on youth alcohol-related harm. 24 months, $622,519

Associate Professor Wayne S Cutfield, Associate Professor Bernard H Breier, Dr Mark Harris, Dr Mark Vickers, Dr Paul L Hofman

Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 09 3737 599 ex 84476

Evaluation of growth hormone and insulin resistance in children and adults born prematurely. 24 months, $258,692

Associate Professor Ken R Daniels, Dr Victoria Grace

Department of Social Work, University of Canterbury, 03 364 2447

Genetic histories and gamete donation: forming families and informing children/offspring. 36 months, $313,352

Professor Brian Darlow, Professor William Tarnow-Mordi

Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, 03 364 0747

International neonatal immunotherapy study: a randomised control trial of intravenous immunoglobulin. 60 months, $529,534

Dr Kevin Dew, Dr Andrew D MacCormick, Dr Deborah McLeod, Ms Jacqueline M Cumming, Professor Anthony Dowell, Ms Maria Stubbe

Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5999 ex 6046

Exploring clinician decision making when rationing is explicit. 24 months, $209,953

Dr Mark Donaldson, Associate Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer, Professor Charles McGhee

Department of Opthalmology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86712

Transpupillary thermotherapy for diabetic maculopathy. 12 months, $104,501

Dr Paul Donaldson, Professor Joerg Kistler

Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, 3737599 ex 84625

Blocking cation channels in the lens: a novel strategy to delay the onset of cataract. 36 months, $934,030

Professor Philippa Gander, Dr Alister Neill, Mrs Ridvan Firestone

Sleep/Wake Research Centre, Massey University, 04 380 0633

Improving access to treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea among professional taxi drivers. 24 months, $86,343

Dr Anne-Louise Heath, Dr Elaine Ferguson, Dr Winsome Parnell, Professor Rosalind Gibson

Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, 03 479 8369

Optimising iron absorption in toddlers - putting the theory into practice. 12 months, $157,770

Dr Rhys Jones, Dr Clive Aspin, Dr David Jansen, Dr Sue Crengle, Dr Tania Riddell, Mrs Kitty Bennett

Department of Maori and Pacific Health, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86278

Hauora o nga tane Maori: Health and Maori men (Phase I). 24 months, $623,347

Professor Peter Joyce, Associate Professor Christopher Frampton, Dr Jane O'Malley, Dr Marie Crowe, Dr Stephanie Moor, Dr Suzanne Luty, Ms Janet Carter

Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, 03 372 0400

A randomised clinical trial of interpersonal social rhythms psychotherapy in young people with bipolar disorder. 36 months, $925,091

Professor Peter Joyce, Associate Professor Christopher Frampton, Associate Professor Roger Mulder, Dr Caroline Bell, Dr Geraldine R Rogers, Dr Martin Kennedy, Dr Richard Porter

Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, 03 372 0400

The molecular genetics and pharmacogenetics of depression. 36 months, $1,146,489

Mr Andrew Jull, Associate Professor Peter Molan, Dr Anthony Rodgers, Dr Natalie Walker

Clinical Trials Research Unit, Auckland UniServices Ltd, 09 373 7599 ex 84744

Honey as adjuvant leg ulcer therapy trial. 30 months, $714,556

Ms Vera Keefe, Dr Papaarangi Reid, Mr Clint Ormsby, Mr Gordon Purdie, Mr Ngahiwi Tomoana, Ms Bridget Robson

Te Roopu Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pomare, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5924

Mauri Tangata:Long term effects of involuntary job loss on mortality and morbidity. 30 months, $583,407

Dr Ngaire Kerse, Associate Professor Bruce Arroll, Associate Professor Tim Wilkinson, Dr Maree Todd, Dr Paul Brown, Mr John Parsons, Ms Kathy Peri, Mr Mathew Parsons, Ms Elizabeth Robinson, Ms Elizabeth Mitchelson, Ms Nancy Latham

Department of General Practice, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 84467

Falls, function and quality of life: An intervention in residential care. 36 months, $1,520,008

Professor Jim Mann, Dr Kirsten McAuley, Dr Rachael Taylor, Ms Lorraine Brooking, Mrs Rebecca Cooke, Ms Sheila Williams

Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, 03 479 7719

Diets of varying macronutrient composition in insulin resistance. 36 months, $563,531

Dr Deborah McLeod, Dr Antony Raymont, Dr Isobel Martin, Dr Kevin Dew, Dr Lou Gallagher, Ms Jacqueline M Cumming, Professor Andre van Rij, Professor Anthony Dowell, Ms Sonya White

Department of General Practice, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5995 ex 5621

Pathways to care and outcome for elective surgery: a prospective cohort study. 36 months, $1,050,307

Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja, Associate Professor Rob McGee, Dr Keren Skegg, Professor John Langley

Injury Prevention Research Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago,

03 479 8518

Protective factors for self harm. 36 months, $548,029

Ms Liane Penney, Dr Tim McCreanor, Ms Helen Moewaka Barnes, Professor Sally Casswell

Centre for Social & Health Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Massey University, 09 366 6136

Maori utilisation & experience of ischaemic heart disease management in general practice & Maori providers. 30 months, $334,000

Associate Professor Anthony Poole, Dr Mark Walton

Department of Medicial & Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 474 0999 ex 8613

Development of mesenchymal stem cell therapies in a cartilage repair model. 36 months, $1,381,308

Associate Professor Andrew Pullan, Associate Professor Bruce H Smaill, Dr Ian Le Grice, Professor Peter J Hunter

Department of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 88399

Imaging and analysis of cardiac electrical events. 36 months, $1,041,941

Dr Mary E Seddon, Dr Dale Bramley, Dr Elana Curtis, Dr Patrick Graham, Dr Ralph Stewart, Dr Rodney T Jackson, Dr Sue Crengle, Dr Terri Green, Mrs Joanna Broad, Professor Harvey White, Ms Jacqueline Cumming

Department of Social & Community Health, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 82328

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery: evaluation of the validity of the prioritisation score and the impact of waiting. 36 months, $1,436,403

Dr Christopher Sissons, Associate Professor Peter Molan, Dr Euan Pearce, Dr J St John Wakefield, Ms Vera Keefe, Dr Martin Lee, Ms Lisa Wong

Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 385 5549

New strategies for dental caries prevention. 36 months, $1,229,516

Dr Eileen Gail Tripp, Dr Brent Alsop

Department of Psychology, University of Otago, 03479 7624

Reward dysfunction: a putative model for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. 36 months, $702,418

Dr Margret C M Vissers, Professor Christine Winterbourn, Dr Mark Hampton

Pathology Department, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 364 0577

Myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants and apoptosis. 36 months, $836,469

Dr Srdjan Vlajkovic, Associate Professor Gary D Housley, Associate Professor Peter R Thorne, Associate Professor Simon Robson

Department of Audiology, University of Auckland, 03 373 7599 ex 86313

Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolyses: a role in regulation of hearing? 24 months, $538,780

Mr John Waldon, Associate Professor Chris Cunningham, Dr Christopher Moyes, Dr David Tipene-Leach, Dr Graeme Lear, Mrs Lyn Davis

Te Pumanawa Hauora, Massey University, 06 350 5799 ex 2538

Comparative efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine for children born to hepatitis B carrier mothers. 24 months, $265,173

Professor Robert Walker, Associate Professor John Leader, Dr Blair Bermingham, Dr Fiona McDonald, Dr Jennifer Bedford, Professor Peter Joyce

Department of Medicial & Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, 03 474 0999 ex 8354

Renal effects of lithium therapy in bipolar disorders. 36 months, $894,135

Dr Susan Wells, Professor Rodney T Jackson, Dr Sue Crengle, Dr Timothy Kenealy

Dr Diana North, Dr Andrew Kerr, Dr Richard Milne, Dr Dale Bramley, Dr Tania Riddell, Ms Joanna B Broad

Department of Community Health, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86333

Primary care management of cardiovascular disease risk: validating risk prediction & assessing risk burden. 36 months, $1,200,000

Dr Lianne Woodward, Associate Professor Terrie E Inder, Dr Nicola C Austin, Dr Peter Anderson, Dr Susan Foster-Cohen, Ms Tia Neha

Department of Education, University of Canterbury, 03 364 2255

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of very low birth weight infants at age 4 years: role of neuroanatomical and socio-environmental factors. 36 months, $286,567

Dr Alistair A Young, Associate Professor Bruce H Smaill, Dr Bernard Choong, Dr Brett Cowan, Dr Ian LeGrice, Dr Poul Nielsen, Professor Peter J Hunter

Division of Anatomy with Radiology, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86115

Magnetic resonance imaging based biophysical analysis of cardiac function. 36 months, $1,086,870

Dr Deborah Young, Professor Janusz Lipski, Professor Matthew During

Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 84491

Environmental stimulation: Driving novel therapies for Alzheimer's disease. 36 months, $1,222,841

Dr Robert P Young, Associate Professor Peter Black, Associate Professor Robert Scragg, Dr Michael Epton, Professor Ian Town

Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 86467

Genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 24 months, $424,702

NEW STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS

Ms Maryanne Baker

Department of General Practice, University of Auckland, 09 379 7599 ex 82584

Rangimarietanga ki tua o te arai ( A peaceful transition to "Beyond the veil" ) 12 months $37,000

Dr Jennie Connor, Dr Anthony Rodgers, Professor Rodney T Jackson, Professor John Langley

Clinical Trials Research Unit, Auckland UniServices Ltd, 09 373 7599 ex 4400

Feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial of daytime running lights on cars. 12 months, $92,645

Professor Peter Ellis, Associate Professor Richard Siegert, Mr Tai Riki Kake, Ms Lisa Cherrington

Department of Psychological Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, 04 3855 999 ex 5656

Cognition and psychopathology in Maori diagnosed with schizophrenia. 18 months, $60,809

Dr Marewa Glover, Mr John Waldon, Ms Harangi Biddle

Department of Applied Behavioural Science, University of Auckland, 03 379 7599

Te Whangai Uu - Te Reo o te Aratika. 18 months, $100,000

Professor Colin Mantell, Associate Professor Jane McKendrick, Dr Pamela Bennett, Ms Denise Takinui, Ms Donna Richards, Ms Hinengaru Rauwhero

Department of Maori & Pacific Health, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 ex 84853

Kimihia nga mea kua ngaro. 12 months, $100,000

Dr Stephanie Palmer, Associate Professor Chris Cunningham, Professor Mason Durie

Te Pumanawa Hauora, Massey University, 04 801 5799 ex 6028

Homai te waiora ki ahau - a construct for the measurement of psychological wellbeing among Maori. 24 months, $95,809

Ms Keri Lawson Te-Aho

Independent Researcher, Wellington, 04 298 6980

The feasibility of decentralised health care planning for Maori youth suicide prevention. 12 months, $65,000

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