Our research

Cancer

Cancer is a significant global health issue and a leading cause of death worldwide. Our specialists are exploring a wide range of treatments, tackling challenges such as drug resistance, and advancing diagnostic technologies for various cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate, lymphoma, melanoma, sarcoma, head and neck, lung, rare cancers and brain tumours. Our research and key clinical collaborators place us at the cutting edge of cancer glycomics, a field that examines the interactions between sugar molecules and proteins on the surface of cancer cells. Our researchers are leveraging this innovative approach to discover new solutions for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases remain among the most significant global health challenges, claiming millions of lives each year. New strategies are urgently needed to combat illnesses caused by bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal pathogens, and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance intensifies this concern. Our experts are advancing innovative approaches to address antibiotic resistance, the emergence of new pathogens with pandemic potential, and the shortage of effective vaccines for serious diseases including rheumatic heart disease caused by Streptococcal A infection, gonorrhoea, HIV-1 , influenza, hPIV , SARS‑CoV‑2 , RSV , Ross River virus, chikungunya virus and malaria.

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Neurological conditions

Neurological conditions are characterised by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to issues with movement and mental function. As the global population ages, the number of people affected by these conditions is expected to rise. Our experts are addressing conditions such as spinal injury, neurodegeneration, peripheral nerve repair, axon degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, mental health, PTSD and pain. Their goal is to deliver solutions that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with diseases and injuries of the nervous system.

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Healthy ageing

As life expectancy increases, the burden of age related disease continues to grow. Cancer, neurodegenerative conditions and increased susceptibility to, and chronic diseases arising from infection are all closely linked to ageing. The Institute will coordinate and expand ageing related research across its existing themes while developing new avenues to understand the genetic, molecular, cellular and biochemical changes associated with ageing. This work will inform strategies to promote long term health and resilience, with direct relevance to local communities and broad global significance. Healthy ageing will also be a focal area for community.

Indigenous health

Significant disparities in health outcomes and life expectancy persist for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Institute is committed to contributing to efforts to close this gap through the development of preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic innovations that are relevant and responsive to Indigenous health priorities. Extending the Institute’s portfolio of novel candidate medicines into this area will position it among a small number of biomedical research institutes with a dedicated focus on Indigenous Health. Meaningful and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities will underpin this work, ensuring research translation addresses community identified needs and supports improved health outcomes.