The University of Sydney has been awarded $6 million in funding for two new Centres of Research Excellence (CRE).
Both CREs will be funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence scheme and led by Professor Gregory Fox and Professor Timothy Slade respectively.
The goal of CREs is to undertake collaborative research and develop research capacity in basic science, clinical medicine and science, health services and public health.
"The CRE scheme supports a dynamic range of research that addresses national needs and the emerging health challenges of our time," said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Emma Johnston.
"I would like to congratulate both Greg and Tim for their successful grant applications and for the collaborative research each will undertake with their respective university and industry partners to help eliminate tuberculosis and enhance our ability to prevent mental illness including substance use disorders.
"CRE grants are highly competitive, and their success is reflective of their dedication and outstanding research capability."
Revolutionising the global fight against tuberculosis
Professor Greg Fox named Chief Investigator of the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis Elimination.
The Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis Elimination (TB-CRE) is led by Chief Investigator Professor Gregory Fox from the Faculty of Medicine and Health's NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.
The TB-CRE, which will involve Professor Ben Marais, has been awarded $3 million to drive transformative changes in tuberculosis (TB) control on a national, regional, and global scale.
Tuberculosis remains the leading infectious cause of death, affecting over 10 million people worldwide annually.
In Australia, most TB cases are linked to infections acquired in high-burden countries within our region. Therefore, sustainable TB control in Australia necessitates innovative research both domestically and across our borders.
The TB-CRE will concentrate on three key research themes: detection, treatment, and prevention. These priorities have been shaped by the needs of TB-affected communities.
The TB-CRE is dedicated to revolutionising the global fight against tuberculosis and nurturing the next generation of TB research leaders essential for ending the TB pandemic.
"Australian researchers play a pivotal role in the global battle against tuberculosis," said Professor Fox.
"Our Centre of Research Excellence is pioneering new innovations to end the global TB pandemic.
"We are collaborating with communities across the Asia-Pacific to save lives and enhance long-term outcomes for those affected by TB."
Preventing youth mental and substance use disorders
Professor Tim Slade named Chief Investigator of the PREMISE Next Generation Centre of Research Excellence.
The Prevention of Mental Illness and Substance Use (PREMISE) Next Generation CRE will be led by Chief Investigator Professor Timothy Slade from the Faculty of Medicine's Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use.
The PREMISE Next Generation CRE, which will also involve Professor Nicola Newton, Professor Cath Chapman and Professor Maree Teesson, has received $3 million to drive policy and practice reforms that address emerging trends, latest generate evidence generate latest evidence and critically reflect priorities identified by young people.
The global landscape of youth mental health and substance use is rapidly changing. Precipitous rises in youth anxiety, depression and self-harm, coupled with major population shifts in risk factors and emerging challenges, call for urgent new approaches to prevent mental and substance use disorders.
The PREMISE Next Generation CRE will identify new targets for prevention and develop new interventions to prevent the leading causes of disease burden in young Australians.
Partners will include Lived Experience Youth, the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland, Deakin University, Monash University and the Medical University of South Carolina.
"The burden of mental and substance use disorders is significant," said Professor Slade.
"We need innovation to understand causes and build effective and cost-effective prevention programs.
"Through this CRE we will grow and mentor a large cohort of mental health and substance use early- and mid-career researchers, youth, and people with lived experience to ensure that this innovation can be sustained into the future."
