Projects awarded research funding in FY24-25 or later

Lead Chief Investigator

Professor Steven Bozinovski

Administering Organisation/Institution

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Awarded Funding

$390,500

Project Overview

This project aims to develop a precision medicine approach to i) identify workers at risk of fibrotic lung disease from occupational dust exposure, and ii) treat them with targeted therapies.

Prof. Bozinovski’s research team has found elevated iron and ferritin levels in workers with 'early' silicosis, which lead to the buildup of lipid-laden foamy macrophages in the lungs. This research is crucial as blocking foamy macrophages is predicted to prevent the development of lung fibrosis.

The research team is pioneering a strategy using advanced nanomedicines designed to deliver RNA therapeutics into lung macrophages, with the goal of removing excess lipids as a way to clear foamy cells from the lungs.

This will be combined with existing and novel therapies to reduce high iron levels and oxidative stress. The outcome of this project aims to transform the treatment of silica dust-induced interstitial lung diseases, improving patient care, quality of life, and reducing the healthcare burden of occupational dust diseases.

Lead Chief Investigator

Distinguished Professor Brian Gregory Oliver

Administering Organisation/Institution

The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

Awarded Funding

$300,000

Project Overview

The overarching research objective of this proposal is to harness the regenerative capacity of lung stem cells by programming the stem cells to release regenerative extracellular vesicles (EVs), which overcomes key limitations of stem cell transplantation and provides innovative solutions for dust diseases.

D. Prof. Oliver’s research team notes that current treatments are ineffective at reversing and/or preventing lung pathology, including fibrosis. The focus is on the following dust diseases: construction dust exposure (silicosis), coal mining dust exposure (pneumoconiosis), and asbestos exposure (asbestosis).

The overall outcome of this project is to provide a preclinical data package which is sufficient to progress lung stem cell EV-based therapies into clinical development.

The overall benefit is to provide a novel therapeutic approach for people living with lung diseases.

Lead Chief Investigator

Professor Jenette Creaney

Administering Organisation/Institution

University of Western Australia

Awarded Funding

$499,340

Project Overview

Project Aims:

To create an international consortium and develop a comprehensive database of clinical, genomic, immunomic, and other data from mesothelioma patients. Using AI, this data will be analysed to identify patterns and molecular markers associated with treatment response.

Importance:

Mesothelioma remains a devastating disease with limited treatment options. Despite the recent introduction of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, it's unclear whether the majority of patients benefit most from chemotherapy or immunotherapy, or if specific treatment schedules are more effective. Additionally, there are no approved second-line treatments for mesothelioma, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches.

Anticipated Outcomes:

• Identification of molecular markers predictive of treatment response.
• Development of new synergistic immunotherapies.
• Personalised treatment strategies based on patient-specific data.
• Improved clinical outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

Benefits:

• Advancements in mesothelioma treatment and patient care.
• Potential for broader applications of AI in oncology.
• Strengthen international collaboration in medical research.

Lead Chief Investigator

Associate Professor Sharyn Gaskin 

Administering Organisation/Institution

The University of Adelaide 

Awarded Funding

$153,813 

Project Overview

The aim of the study is to prevent occupational lung disease in the stone benchtop industry by assessing health risks associated with new-generation low- to no-silica stone products.

Now that silica-containing engineered stones are banned in Australia, alternative materials of low- to no-silica contents are being aggressively marketed as safer products. There is no evidence to support these claims, which keeps workers in this industry still at risk of overexposure to airborne hazards.

Using novel multidisciplinary approaches across material science and toxicology, A/Prof. Gaskin’s research team will directly address this gap in knowledge. They anticipate developing new hazard assessment indices (e.g. dustiness) and a systematic study linking engineered stone physico-chemical properties to rapid toxicity screening to inform of the toxic potential of the new low- to no-silica stone benchtop products currently being imported into Australia.

The outcomes will inform recommendations for control measures to reduce exposure and health risks in this occupational group.

Lead Chief Investigator

Dr. Niccolle "Nikky" Monique LaBranche

Administering Organisation/Institution

The University of Queensland

Awarded Funding

$656,100 

Project Overview

This project aims to advance dust characterisation by leveraging state-of-the-art microscopy techniques using Field Emission Gun (FEG) to analyse respirable dust from mining environments. By adapting international methods for redepositing dust from PVC filters onto polycarbonate filters, Dr LaBranche’s research team will enable high-resolution analysis of particle size, shape, and mineral composition, offering insights previously unattainable.

This innovative approach addresses critical gaps in understanding the health risks associated with mineral dusts, particularly respirable crystalline silica, diesel particulate matter, and potassium-rich minerals like illite. The results will help drive more effective health interventions, tailored dust control measures, and improved understanding of dust toxicity and lung deposition.

The project’s outcomes will support efforts to reduce occupational disease risks and improve worker safety across the mining sector and other high-risk industries. Broader applications of this research will inform global best practices for dust management.

Through collaboration with key stakeholders and active sharing of results through industry forums and networks, the project is designed to deliver real-world benefit to at-risk communities, and promote healthier, safer workplaces.