Research Director of the Royal Society of Queensland, Dr Nelson Quinn, has announced the successful applicants for grants from Round 8 of the Society’s Research Fund.
Zijun Li (Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane) will be assessing the impact on our healthcare system and costs due to bushfire-related very small particles in the air in Queensland, an increasing problem if bushfires continue to increase. This knowledge can help inform targeted policies to mitigate the adverse effect of these particles.
Emily Smith (University of Queensland, Brisbane) is researching when, how and where ticks produce alpha-gal in their saliva, the cause of life-threatening allergic reactions to products of non-human mammals and some cancer treatment drugs, and of adverse effects on the cardio-vascular system. The prevalence of alpha-gal syndrome has been increasing, likely driven by rapid land use changes in peri-urban areas.
Ji Zhang (University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba) aims to develop an AI-enhanced data integration platform in collaboration with Indigenous communities to enhance preventative health measures for Indigenous communities on the Darling Downs.
Cecilia Villacorta-Rath (James Cook University, Townsville) is studying how to improve methods for aiding eradication efforts of invasive ant species, such as yellow crazy ants. More cost-effective and simpler ways of processing DNA collected from the environment will assist in determining the success of eradication efforts, particularly in remote areas.
Bridget Nolan (James Cook University, Townsville) will examine predator-prey dynamics involving great hammerhead sharks, the predators, and white spotted eagle rays and cowtail rays, the prey, in intertidal ecosystems. This research will provide knowledge necessary to formulate effective management strategies for intertidal flat habitats and the species that depend upon them.
Christina Birnbaum (University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba) aims to increase understanding of how knowledge of mycorrhizal fungal communities can facilitate the conservation and restoration of eucalypt forests, the most widely distributed forest ecosystems in Australia.
Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo (University of Queensland, Gatton) is investigating the cause of skin and facial tumours in tree frogs from North Queensland. The work will contribute to ecosystem health monitoring and effective conservation strategies, as well as revealing the extent and role of toxicants and cancer-causing viruses in the environment.
Dr Quinn added that “There were more than 20 other worthy applicants that we could not support this time.” This number is a sad commentary on the state of funding of Australian science.
“The Research Fund is supported by donations. There are continuing calls for greater investment in research supporting our natural environment and how we interact with it. Queensland has unique needs and many eager and talented researchers. We want to increase the numbers of researchers we can help. Donations are tax deductible.”
For more information see https://www.royalsocietyqld.org/research/