2012 Research Support Scheme Each year the Foundation invites applications from health researchers on the campus. Applications are assessed by the Research Committee, a team of qualified scientific and medical professionals, and awarded based on merit and funds available. This year $1.7 million was committed to research projects. The philosophy of awarding research grants is to: • • •
Support researchers and projects on the path to securing competitive funding. Provide assistance to new researchers in the early stage of their research career and, Promote the culture of collaboration and group work which is a major strength of the PA research environment. Grant Recipients 2012
Grants were awarded to 19 researchers based at the PA Hospital in fields ranging from Endocrinology, Cardiology, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Dermatology, and Hepatology. HEART
LIVER
Associate Professor William Wang Department of Cardiology This study aims to provide advice on the longterm use/cessation of medications for recovered heart failure patients ensuring that patients will continue only necessary medications, minimizing costs and potential side effects.
Professor Ken Ho Chair, Centres for Health Research Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology
Dr Mary Boyde Cardiology/Nurse Educator This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of multi-media education for patients with heart failure in reducing hospital readmissions and increasing knowledge and self-care behaviours. Professor Michael Stowasser Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre Hypertension, a leading risk factor for stroke, heart and kidney disease, affects around 30% of Australians. This study aims to improve diagnosis of a common cause of hypertension leading to improved patient care. KIDNEY Dr Rathika Krishnasamy Department of Nephrology This study aims to examine the link between bone health, cardiovascular disease and the benefit of exercise in early stages of chronic kidney disease.
Oestrogens-based drugs are among the most widely used medications for a range of diseases (eg. contraception, osteoporosis, breast cancer) and the use of the drugs may predispose the patient to fatty liver disease and obesity. This study aims to understand the metabolic effect of oestrogen treatment to advocate and develop safer treatments. Professor Elizabeth Powell Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology This project aims to develop an innovative cell culture model system to study how fatty liver disease develops, leading to new approaches to treat and prevent advanced liver disease. Dr Ingrid Hickman Department of Nutrition and Dietetics The development of obesity after a liver transplant is common and contributes to the development of significant disease burden such as cardiovascular disease. This study aims to identify novel factors of weight gain in liver transplant recipients and develop better nutrition therapy in order to reduce complications post transplant. GASTROENEROLOGY
Dr Carolyn Clark Department of Renal Medicine This Australian first study aims to decrease the amount of tissue damage of kidneys prior to transplantation thus improving the recipient’s health following transplant.
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Professor Gerald Holtmann Director Gastroenterology and Hepatology Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects thousands of patients in Queensland. While there is currently no cure for patients with IBS, this study targets a potential infectious cause that might be amendable to future targeted therapy.
PA Research Foundation Annual Report and Financial Statements 2011 – 2012