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Discovery

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Discovery Science

The starting point and foundation for all translational research - driven by curiosity rather than strategic priorities, and a determination to address clearly defined scientific questions.

Discovery science depends on trial and error, it probes the strengths and limitations of data, and ultimately seeks to discover answers that unlock solutions to much bigger problems.

At TRI, discovery occurs at many points along the translational pathway and is supported by ready-access to clinicians and real patient experience. Being based here gives researchers – from our Partner institutes, local and international biotech organisations, and the next generation of early career scientists and students – access to the only facility and precinct of its kind in Australia, and one of the foremost and innovative in the world.

At TRI, collaborations are valued, questions are easier to answer, and solutions are discovered sooner.

“At the very root level of scientific discoveries, these researchers are working to understand how a cell is wired, why it does what it does, how these actions can result in disease, and how to stop it in its tracks.”

Professor Gabrielle Belz

The University of Queensland Frazer Institute

Discovery Research Focus

At the Bench

Epithelial cells and the immune system

Understanding how the body deals with infections, viruses and parasites requires study of important immune cells found in many parts of the body. Epithelial cells are found in abundance in the linings of the gut and lungs and play a key role as frontline responders, sending signals triggering specific immune responses to invading pathogens.

Professor Gabrielle Belz from The University of Queensland (UQ) leads a team based at TRI focused on understanding how these cells trigger immune responses. Her research has enabled tracking of virus-specific T cells in the immune system, and ultimately aims to contribute to developing vaccines for infectious disease and better treatments for autoimmune diseases.

Core Facilities @TRI

Many Discovery Scientists based at TRI depend on the invaluable expertise provided by TRI’s Core Facilities staff.

Discovery Research Spotlight

Prostate Cancer

Advancing prostate cancer diagnostics

Cystic Fibrosis

Developing new cystic fibrosis treatment

Researchers are determining the feasibility of a clinical trial for a new therapy to help improve the lifespan of people with cystic fibrosis.

Clinical Research

Drug doesn’t reduce heart disease in kidney patients

Researchers have found that lanthanum carbonate does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease developing in patients with chronic kidney disease.

CancerGenetics

Genes identified for aggressive melanoma

Researchers from The University of Queensland and The Alfred hospital in Melbourne have identified gene variants which may contribute to people being at higher risk for nodular melanoma.

Cancer

Fighting one of our deadliest cancers

Mater Researcher Professor John Hooper will share in $1.8 million of funding from PanKind, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, to investigate early detection and new treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Hormone therapy may fuel bone cancer in prostate patients, study shows

Anti-androgen therapy used to treat patients with advanced prostate cancer may be fuelling bone cancer spread.

Genetics

Major genetic study into osteoporosis

TRI-based researchers from The University of Queensland, Mater Research and Queensland University of Technology are sharing in more than $12million in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding.

Microbiology

Methane ‘gobbling’ microorganism is a shape shifter: Nature Microbiology

A microorganism that helps reduce the release of the greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere has been found to be a ‘shape shifter’.