La Trobe University researchers have secured almost $4.5 million in Federal Government funding to further studies into areas such as immune cell development, Australian history and agriculture.
Four researchers received an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship 2025.
The prestigious Future Fellowships support high quality research in areas of national and international benefit, including in national research priorities.
Dr Lisa Mielke, from the School of Cancer Medicine, the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science (LIMS) and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), received $1.13 million to identify new molecules for future drug and vaccine development to improve gut health in mammals.
This project could provide significant downstream benefits to the Australian population and livestock industry through improved protection against cancer and intestinal infections.
Dr Amy Pennay, from the School of Psychology and Public Health and Deputy Director of the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, received $1.11 million to better understand the mechanisms that drive the Alcohol Harm Paradox.
The Alcohol Harm Paradox refers to the observation that those with higher socio-economic status (SES) drink more alcohol but those with lower SES experience more problems from alcohol.
Dr Dugald Reid, from the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment and the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), received $976,696 to investigate the regulatory mechanism of a family of genes that controls nitrogen acquisition in cereal and legume crops.
Expected outcomes of this project include an enhanced capacity to develop major cereal and legume crops with desirable traits, including efficient nitrogen use.
Associate Professor Karen Hughes, who applied through La Trobe, received $1.28 million to produce the first comprehensive study of Indigenous Australian women's international marriages to US servicemen in WWII.
La Trobe's Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Industry Engagement, Alistair Duncan, said the research awarded showcased the breadth of work being undertaken that will benefit society.
"These research projects will improve health outcomes, agricultural productivity and give us a better understanding of our shared history. It is all fantastic work which is deserving of this honour," Mr Duncan said.
"I congratulate Lisa, Amy, Dugald and Karen on their achievements."
