The Australian Government has awarded $6 million to two Centres of Research Excellence (CREs) led by the University of Sydney that will investigate ways to prevent, identify and better manage fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and artificial intelligence-enabled clinical decision support.
Only 24 teams nationally were awarded funding through the National Health and Medical Research Centre's (NHMRC) 2025 CRE program to undertake research and promote and improve translation of research outcomes into health policy and practice.
Professor Elizabeth Elliott from the Faculty of Medicine and Health will lead the Centre of Research Excellence in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD-CRE), while Professor Melissa Baysari from the Faculty of Medicine and Health will lead the Centre of Research Excellence in Human Factors and AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support.
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Julie Cairney thanked the government for their support of this world-leading research.
"The Centres of Research Excellence scheme is incredibly competitive and it's fantastic to see two Sydney-led projects receive support to build capacity in areas that promise to have great positive impact in our health system.
"Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a global issue affecting families from all backgrounds. And AI presents enormous opportunity to improve clinical decision-making processes and patient outcomes, but only if implemented in thoughtful, ethical and evidence-based ways."
"Congratulations to Professor Elliott and Professor Baysari, two global leaders in their respective fields, and to the partners working on these important projects."
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder CRE
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a devastating but potentially preventable disorder, resulting from exposure of the unborn child to alcohol. It causes learning, development and behaviour problems with lifelong consequences, including with education, the law, independent living and substance use.
"One child in every Australian classroom is affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, according to research we published this year ," said Professor Elliott.
"Our experienced national CRE team is committed to supporting children and families through innovations in diagnosis and treatment, understanding the burden of disease and preventing FASD."
The CRE Chief Investigators from the University of Sydney include Professor Alexandra Martiniuk, A/Professor Louise Mewton, A/Professor Heather Shepherd, Professor Kirsten Black, Dr Fiona Robards and Dr Lauren Rice. The CRE is a collaboration with Deakin University, Menzies School of Health Research, Burnet Institute, and the University of Newcastle.
CRE in Human Factors and AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support
The enormous capacity for good - and the potential for severe risks of AI - is only just beginning to be appreciated by every corner of society.
In the healthcare sector, where every second counts and decisions have life-long consequences, AI is already leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
"The CRE in Human Factors and AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support (CDS) will create a paradigm shift in the way AI-enabled CDS is designed, implemented and evaluated, ensuring CDS systems are designed around the capabilities, limitations, needs and preferences of users," said Professor Baysari.
"Our multi-disciplinary team of leaders in Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE), CDS and AI will take a systems thinking approach to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of AI-enabled CDS."
The CRE Chief Investigators from the University of Sydney include Professor Sarah Hilmer and Professor Tom Snelling. The CRE is a collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast and Macquarie University.
