QUT health and medical researchers based in Brisbane CBD have secured more than $3.2 million in funding to advance clinical trials addressing rare diseases and improving healthcare interventions.
Addressing Rare Diseases and Improving Health Interventions
Researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane CBD have received over $3.2 million through the 2023 MRFF Clinical Trials Activity scheme. The funding focuses on two main areas: rare cancers and diseases with unmet needs, and the development of effective health interventions.
The grants have been awarded to two major projects aiming to improve spinal care for rural children with scoliosis and to trial a low-cost medication for treating bronchiectasis in children.
The Team Behind: Scoliosis Remote Care Technology (ScoliDoc Project)
QUT Team (Across Schools of Engineering, Design, Nursing, Medicine, Education):
- Associate Professor Paige Little (Lead)
- Professor Marianella Chamorro-Koc (School of Design)
- Professor Evonne Miller (School of Design, Queensland Health)
- Professor Deborah Long (School of Nursing)
- Professor Jed Duff (School of Nursing)
- Dr Sarah Whitehouse (School of Medicine)
- Dr Bridget Hughes (School of Education)
- Adjunct Professor Geoffrey Askin (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service)
- Dr Sinduja Suresh (School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering)
- Maree Izatt (School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering)
- Adjunct Professor Robert Labrom – Associate Investigator
Other Institutions and Researchers:
- Dr Kristopher Lundine (The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne) – Associate Investigator
Partner Organisations:
- Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service
- Queensland Health
- Amazon Web Services Australia
- North West Hospital and Health
- Royal Perth Hospital
MRFF Clinical Trials Activity Funding Program
The 2023 Clinical Trials Activity grant opportunity, administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), supports projects that enhance access to effective, evidence-based healthcare. Grants were awarded across four research streams, with a maximum available funding of up to $5 million for clinical trials targeting rare diseases or comparative effectiveness of health interventions.
The initiative focuses on minimising ineffective treatments and expanding healthcare access, particularly for Australians affected by rare or neglected conditions.
Scoliosis Project Targeting Rural and Remote Areas
Associate Professor Paige Little from QUT’s School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering received $551,461.68 for the project “Geographically Equitable Spinal Care for Remote, Rural and Regional Children with Scoliosis: Smart Digital Strategies Linking Patients and Specialists.”
The project addresses challenges faced by children in remote areas, where around 30 per cent of Australians reside, in accessing early scoliosis care. QUT’s scoliosis research team, the only one dedicated to the condition in the southern hemisphere, has developed an AI-driven platform, ScoliDoc, enabling virtual consultations and early interventions without requiring patients to travel to metropolitan centres.
The Team Behind: Bronchiectasis Treatment Study (Colchicine Trial)
QUT (School of Medicine and AusHSI) Team:
- Associate Professor Julie Marchant (Lead)
- Professor Anne Chang AM
- Professor Stephanie Yerkovich
- Dr Vikas Goyal
- Dr Hannah O’Farrell
Other Institutions and Researchers:
- Professor Steven McPhail (School of Public Health and Social Work and AusHSI, QUT) – Associate Investigator
- Professor Keith Grimwood (Griffith University)
- Professor Hiran Selvadurai (Children’s Hospital at Westmead)
- Professor Andre Schultz (University of Western Australia)
- Mrs Lesley Versteegh (Menzies School of Health Research)
- Associate Professor Katherine Baines (The University of Newcastle)
- Associate Professor Anna Nathan (University of Malaya)
- Professor Peter Morris (Menzies School of Health Research)
- Dr Pamela Laird (University of Western Australia) – Associate Investigator
Partner Organisations:
- Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- Royal Darwin Hospital
- Queensland Children’s Hospital
- Perth Children’s Hospital
- Pharmacor
Trialling an Old Medication for Bronchiectasis
Associate Professor Julie Marchant, from QUT’s School of Medicine and the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), received $2,682,874.84 for a multicentre randomised controlled trial investigating colchicine’s efficacy for children with bronchiectasis.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition often neglected in clinical research. Current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics. This study will evaluate colchicine, a well-established, low-cost anti-inflammatory drug, as a potential adjunct therapy.
The research team includes academics from QUT, Griffith University, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, University of Western Australia, Menzies School of Health Research, The University of Newcastle, and University of Malaya, partnering with several leading Australian hospitals and health organisations.
Future Implications for Health Care Delivery
Both projects aim to validate innovative approaches that can transform healthcare delivery for children, particularly those living outside metropolitan areas. Outcomes from these trials could inform national clinical practice guidelines, improve patient access, and reduce long-term healthcare burdens.
The MRFF Clinical Trials Activity Initiative continues to play a critical role in strengthening Australia’s medical research capacity and healthcare system through targeted funding for clinical trials.
Published 28-Apr-2025
