David Almeida Cardoso, PhD

📣 New speakers announced for Medicines Management 2024!📣 ⭐ Introducing, Professor Michael Sorich ⭐ Professor in Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA. Prof Sorich is a clinical epidemiologist, biostatistician, and pharmacist. He develops and evaluates health applications of generative AI, aiming to maximise the positive health impacts for patients. Are you curious about how AI can be used in health care, or apprehensive of a machine replacing your role? Michael’s presentation 'AI doesn’t replace me, it complements me', will uncover how AI can be used in pharmacy practice as a force multiplier and augment human decision making. Register for Medicines Management 2024 https://buff.ly/3x3vBKZ

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Our Centre provides pump-priming funding to get promising projects off the ground. Senior Research Associate Dr Elitza Deltcheva received development funding for her work to develop less toxic, more targeted therapies for children and adults with B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). While around 90% of children with ALL will be cured, relapse is common and the toxicity of the lengthy treatment can leave them with further health difficulties. In adults, the outlook is less good, with fewer than 40% of patients likely to be cured. Dr Deltcheva told us: “There are two aspects to my approach: firstly, I am screening hundreds of novel compounds in primary leukaemia patient cells in order to find a treatment that will target specifically the leukaemic cells, while sparing the healthy ones. Secondly, I am looking at the cells that are resistant to chemotherapy and remain after treatment. “My hope is that I will find a strategy to target resistant B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells before they are able to give rise to relapse. This could ultimately improve patients’ survival rates. “My work is informed by the transcriptional profiling of hundreds of thousands of patient cells, made possible by funding from the City of London Centre.” UCL Cancer Institute | Cancer Research UK Science and Innovation

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- CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - The 2024 AusHealth CureCell Awards of up to $10,000 are now open to PhD students undertaking a cell or biological therapy related project. The awards – intended to help with living costs – will be made to students currently enrolled in a #PhD, whose research projects have real potential for clinical impact. Applications due by 31 July 2024 Winners announced before 30 September 2024 MORE DETAILS 👉 https://www.curecell.org or contact Justin Coombs 👉 [email protected] CureCell is an Australian-registered charity accelerating the development of cell-based therapies to treat cancer and autoimmune disease by investing in outstanding young scientists. In 2023, CureCell joined forces with the AusHealth Hospital Research Fund, a medical charity that annually invests more than $3 million in Australian medical research. #medicalresearch #phdstudents #costofliving #grants #highereducationresearch #cellandgenetherapy #students #futurescientists Jo Close I Dana Bell I Jessica Maxwell I MTPConnect

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Research project announcement! Dr Sian Genoud from Macquarie University is one of the recent beneficiaries of funding from the Dementia Research Community (Bondi2Berry). Dr Genoud’s research will explore how protein that regulate the structure of brain cells contribute to the progression of pathology in dementia. “We have discovered that a group of important proteins, called tropomyosins, orchestrate the spread of tau protein from one brain cell to the other,” says Dr Genoud. “Now we will investigate how these tropomyosins are involved in the uptake and release of toxic tau in glial cells, and how this contributes to disease progression.” Tau is known to form the tangles in the brain. Understanding these mechanisms will significantly advance understanding of neurodegeneration and may form the foundation for new tropomyosin-focused treatments that could one day eradicate dementia. Visit our website to read more about Dr Genoud’s research project: https://lnkd.in/gNeVfewH #dementiaresearchcommunity #dementia #research #funding #enddementia

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The Medical Science co-investment plan was announced yesterday by Minister for Industry and Science, The Hon Ed Husic MP. It is fabulous to see government taking a long-term approach to capacity and capability building in the Australian Medical Sciences sector by wrapping the Medical Science Co-investment Plan with support from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and the Industry Growth Program, meaning it’s less likely to become orphaned. This shows a progressive mindset that’s looking to place Australia “where the ball will be” in future years. Our national challenge today is to reach the ball before we run out of puff, and this means we need significant investment into early-stage opportunities now to have enough pipeline for our enhanced medical manufacturing sector. The irony is not lost on me. To quote the co-investment plan "Without a full value chain medical science ecosystem, much of the potential economic and strategic value of domestic production and post-production activities is lost." Our focus at Mimetic - MedTech Foundry is on the development and growth of medical device companies. We co-found and operate medical device companies, partnering with clinical innovators through the commercialisation process. Whilst I’ve never had a problem finding someone to build a medical device in Australia, finding someone to back it financially is a much greater challenge. Accessing early-stage capital to enable commercialisation is critical to our success and the success of the medical technology industry. A submission prepared for the National Reconstruction Fund by the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), revealed 5-year (2018-2022) data showed a peak in medical device venture capital in 2020, with declines over subsequent years and a strong transition towards later-stage or off-shore investments. Over the same period, Health IT, Health Tech and Pharmaceuticals witnessed investment growth.  Whilst the Australian life sciences venture capital scene may be maturing, its approach to medical devices has not. The Co-investment Plan identifies medical device investment opportunities for Australia that come across as “medtech lite”. Many of our successful medical device companies like Cochlear, Saluda, Sirtex, Bivacor et al. have all been highly complex. We have a talented and experienced workforce able to support these complex, differentiated, therapeutic device technologies, so I question why the plan appears focused on quick, undifferentiated wins. The risk here is that we invest at a federal level on “table-stakes” technologies whilst ignoring more impactful technologies that will change the quality of life for some and save the lives of others. Sometimes doing the right thing takes the courage to do the hard thing. My hope is that there is scope in the Medical Science Co-investment Plan to do the hard things and really move the needle for our health future. MTPConnect NSW Medical Research

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We are proud to announce a significant milestone for the zika vaccine candidate developed by Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Principal Research Leader and Griffith Health Group Professor Suresh Mahalingam. The vaccine candidate is licenced to Indian Immunologicals Limited (ILL), the fourth-largest vaccine company in India which manufactures and supplies vaccines to over 60 countries. ILL has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of India to fully fund the vaccine’s clinical development. A Phase 1 trial is expected to commence in early 2025 and will be managed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at various clinical sites across India. There is currently no vaccine available for the prevention of zika – a mosquito-borne virus that can have severe consequences especially for pregnant women, potentially causing congenital abnormalities in infants. India has reported zika cases in several states and the Indian government has identified it as a priority disease. This partnership marks a significant step in preventing the spread of the virus. “When the Indian Government identifies a priority disease, they invest in developing a vaccine with the ultimate goal of making it available to vaccinate the population”. says Professor Suresh Mahalingam. “After evaluating vaccines developed by various companies, they have selected ours for funding and further development. This endorsement of our zika vaccine is a major research outcome and achievement for my team and for Griffith University.” Read more about the development of the live-attenuated vaccine for Zika by Professor Mahalingam and his team here: https://bit.ly/3NGRFQf Research at Griffith

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📢 Calling all UOW student entrepreneurs in MedTech and Pharmaceuticals! ARCS Australia is offering scholarships for students to attend BioBeacon, a life sciences startup event happening on June 14th at the ICC in Sydney. This is a fantastic opportunity to: -Network with industry leaders and potential mentors. -Learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector. -Gain exposure to the commercial pathways of successful startups. Scholarship Benefits: -Free admission to BioBeacon (regular ticket price is $300 for general admission, $90 for students) -Complimentary Associate Membership to ARCS, giving you access to a valuable network and resources. How to Apply: Submit a brief statement on how attending BioBeacon could benefit your entrepreneurial journey and a summary of your current or proposed startup project. Applications are open now, and scholarships are limited! For more details and to apply, visit the ARCS website: https://lnkd.in/g3fpQgBB Don't miss out on this chance to unlock your future in MedTech and Pharmaceuticals! #UOWWISTEM #StartUpSociety #StudentEntrepreneurs

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Congratulations to our very own Dr Nasim Amiralian for being 1 of 7 incredible innovators from the Research and Development, Startup, and University space chosen to participate in the inaugural AgriFutures Australia and AgriFutures Grow Catalyst program for 2024. The program aims to boost ideas from brilliant female research leaders in the #agriculture or #technology sectors, helping to move ideas from the lab to the real world. Naturally, we can’t think of anyone more deserving than Dr Nasim, who was chosen for her expertise in tackling global issues such as plastic packaging and agricultural waste. Dr Nasim is currently working to produce 100 per cent bio-based single-use packaging materials for the food industry using waste from the sugar production process. “Cane-based materials are biodegradable, compostable, thermally stable and grease- and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for packaging hot or cold food and also for use in automotive, aerospace and healthcare industries,” Dr Amiralian said. “My research seeks to turn agricultural waste into groundbreaking new materials that both tackle plastic pollution and fight against disease transmission. "Using leftovers from farming, like sugarcane, banana, or hemp, we’re creating biodegradable packaging coated with natural antimicrobial substances also derived from agricultural waste, that can kill or repel harmful microbes. "This innovation means the packaging that protects your food can also protect you from bacteria and viruses, reducing health risks in everyday environments." Dr Amiralian said she sees the Catalyst Program as a key step to helping achieve the goal of establishing a national facility dedicated to the development of novel biomaterials using agricultural waste.

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💡🧬 Pioneering preventive healthcare…Introducing the DNA Screen initiative providing free, accessible DNA testing to young Australians. In 2022, Monash University launched ‘DNA Screen’, a world-first preventive genetic screening study. Through the DNA Screen initiative, more than 10,000 young Australians between the ages of 18 to 40 have been able to access free DNA screening for some cancers and heart diseases, leading to earlier detection and management of these hereditary diseases. Currently, genetic testing for high-risk gene variants through Medicare has only been open to Australians who meet specific criteria based on clinical and family history. As a pilot study, DNA Screen aims to create an evidence base for the introduction of a population-based genetic screening program through the national public healthcare system, similar in delivery to the National Cervical Screening Program and National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Genetic pathologist Dr Eric Lee explains what the potential impact of this program could mean for Australians: "Population-based genetic screening for medically actionable conditions could significantly alter the landscape of preventive healthcare in Australia. Although single-gene mutations cause only a small number of cases of breast and ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and high cholesterol, they pose a high lifetime risk to those affected. Early detection allows for timely interventions, significantly improving patient outcomes by preventing disease or catching it at an early, more treatable stage." Read more in #PathWay: https://lnkd.in/giC6NWRd

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CAB lead researcher to investigate artificial protein circuits for next-generation diagnostics. Professor of Synthetic Biology Kirill Alexandrov was recently awarded $3 million by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) through its Investigator grant scheme to carry out this research. “To ensure high-quality healthcare, we need advancements in disease diagnostics,” Professor Alexandrov said. “I will use synthetic biology to develop technologies for detecting and monitoring diseases rapidly and accurately. By building sophisticated molecular machines capable of detecting disease markers, we will be able to simplify diagnostic hardware, making it more accessible for doctors and patients. “Cheaper and easily distributable diagnostic technologies will be critical to meeting the increasing demand for healthcare in the world that is both growing and aging.” More on our #syntheticbiology research here: https://lnkd.in/gbBxaQzB #QUT #QUTResearch #QUTScience #QUTHealth

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WASM: MECE is thrilled to announce that five individual projects from our researchers were successful in receiving funding from the Australian Research Council, as part of the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) scheme. The recipients of the DECRA grant from WASM: MECE were Dr Yijun Zhong, Dr Daqin Guan (both pictured below), Dr Huan Li, Dr Yongqiang Chen and Dr Qiucheng Xu who were each awarded between $417,000 and $468,000 in funding. In total, Curtin University had eight successful applicants, the most out of any Western Australian University. Each of the awarded researchers and their projects are as follows: - Dr Huan Li: Critical and precious metals recovery from e-waste - Dr Yongqiang Chen: Green lithium mining from granite reservoirs - Dr Daqin Guan: Protonic ceramic fuel cells for operation under <400 °C - Dr Qiucheng Xu: Thiol ligands modified Cu catalysts for high-rate CO2 reduction to ethanol - Dr Yijun Zhong: High-voltage proton batteries operating at ultralow temperature. Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Professor Melinda Fitzgerald said the funding result was a glowing endorsement of the work being undertaken at the University. “This year saw Curtin’s highest percentage of DECRA scheme applicants successfully receive funding, which demonstrates our commitment and capability in vital research areas identified in the new National Science Statement, Professor Fitzgerald said. “These projects highlight Curtin’s research strengths in critical minerals, the transition towards clean energy and public health.” To discover more about each project, click here: https://ow.ly/9VAQ50Tiw6W #WASMMECE #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #ARC #DECRA #mineralsandresources #funding #grant #research #academia

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How can robots and humans work together? 🤝 Our researcher Hashini Senaratne is exploring this question through her work applying artificial intelligence with a human-centered approach. This fascinating branch of research impacts Australians in a range of areas, from healthcare to disaster response, and agriculture to manufacturing. Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/g2HBkwVs

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Do you have hay fever and/or asthma? Are you worried about thunderstorm asthma? Deakin PhD student Kira M Hughes is working towards a solution to reduce the risk of thunderstorm asthma here in Australia. She recently sat down with the team at Deakin Research to discuss what thunderstorm asthma is, her academic journey, and how her research is improving our current monitoring systems through an innovative real-time sensor. https://lnkd.in/gtQYAP3U

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Applications are now open for The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) Health Tech Innovation Challenge! The Challenge offers students and researchers the opportunity to pitch for seed funding for a Health Technology innovation in the field of diabetes and its possible complications. Why apply? ⦾ Have your pitch heard by a panel of expert judges in business and diabetes research. ⦾ Compete for two prizes of $30,000 and $10,000 available for a 12-month period to be put towards the development of the project. ⦾ Refine your project pitch – shortlisted candidates receive pitch training from an expert. ACADI’s definition of health tech refers to technology that is used to prevent, diagnose, monitor, or treat diabetes and its possible complications. Medical devices, including software as a medical device, assistive technology, and digital health are some of the health tech categories relevant to the Challenge. Applications close on 9 September 2024. Learn more: https://loom.ly/qIECoHE

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New Beginnings 🎉: A Fond Farewell 🙏 and an Exciting Next Chapter 🚀 Today marks a significant milestone in my career as I say farewell to the extraordinary colleagues, friends, and partners at the Faculty of Medicine and Health - University of Sydney. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together at FMH and look forward to carrying the lessons, collaborations, and friendships with me into this new chapter. I would like to particularly thank Professor Robyn Ward, who has been a source of tremendous inspiration. Working alongside her has been a privilege, and her leadership, mentorship and guidance have left a lasting impact on me as I embark on this new journey. Leaving wasn’t an easy decision, especially after being part of such impactful work and working with so many wonderful colleagues. However, I’ve always believed that growth comes from embracing new challenges. Now, I’m excited to embark on the next phase of my journey: launching Insights Catalyst Advisory, a venture focused on providing strategic guidance and coaching across higher education, research, and not-for-profit organisations. Before officially launching Insights Catalyst Advisory, I’ll take a few weeks to recharge and reflect, but I’m eager to share what’s coming! While I’m on a short break, I’ll still be available for conversations, collaborations, and coffee catch-ups. If you'd like to discuss how we can work together, feel free to reach out—I’m excited to explore new opportunities and collaborate on future projects. #NewBeginnings #InsightsCatalystAdvisory #Strategy #Leadership #CatalysingExcellence

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Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) has officially launched with the first round of grants now open. AEA INNOVATE AND IGNITE GRANTS AEA Innovate Innovate grants support mid-stage research commercialisation through competitive grants of up to $5 million for a maximum period of 24 months. These grants are available for researchers at Australian universities to collaborate with industry to advance projects that already have laboratory proof-of-concept. AEA Ignite How much: Up to $500,000. How long: Up to 12 months. Who to: An eligible higher education institution (Table A or Table B university, or ‘University College’). What for: Translation of early-stage research findings into products or services with commercial viability. https://lnkd.in/gmbyzuKs #research #innovation #university #accelerator

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✨ Interested in the future of healthcare, policy, or technology? This White Paper, authored by A/Prof Joyce Siette and researchers from Western Sydney University, provides valuable perspectives and solutions for addressing the evolving needs of our ageing population. The ageing demographic in #WesternSydney reflects a broader #global trend that impacts healthcare, social systems, and community planning. 🌟 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gBDWbWCH   #Healthcare #Ageing #HealthPolicy #Technology #ElderCare #AgedCare #Community #WhitePaper #Research

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The List: Top 100 Innovators 2024 Exciting news! Professor Huanting Wang and his team at ElectraLith (born from Monash University's Research Hub has been recognised in The Australian's The List: Top 100 Innovators 2024. ElectraLith is driving a green future with the cleanest, most versatile, and cost-efficient method for extracting and refining lithium. With the rapid growth of electric vehicles, lithium demand has skyrocketed, and ElectraLith tackled a key challenge—the excessive water and energy consumption in lithium processing. Their innovative solution combines refining and extraction at low voltages, achieving high recoverability. Unlike traditional brine extraction, which uses 2.2 million litres of water per tonne of lithium, ElectraLith’s process is completely water and carbon-free. https://lnkd.in/gwWaqCkn #Innovation #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Lithium #ElectricVehicles #GreenTech #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #EVs #TechInnovation #MonashUniversity #ElectraLith Samantha Lipscombe Shreejan P. Emi Gui Larisa Teterevkova Rhian Adlam

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