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Researchers from 91ɫ��Ƭ, , , and University of Newcastle will work to validate internationally developed diagnostic criteria for VCID. They will also focus on developing biomarkers to enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, improving understanding of global and population-specific risk factors, uncovering genetic causes, identifying potential new drug targets and developing prevention strategies.

“We want to change diagnostic practices for VCID, influence dementia prevention internationally, and develop promising new treatments for cerebral small vessel disease,” Prof. Sachdev said.

Furthermore, the centre has the potential to realise the potential of VCID as a truly preventable dementia.

“If we can better understand and control the vascular causes of dementia, we have a real opportunity to reduce the burden of dementia in Australia and globally,” Prof. Sachdev said.

The Centre will also establish a national Think Tank on vascular dementia, strengthen consumer involvement in research, and train the next generation of researchers in this emerging field. The work will build on a previous NHMRC-funded program, which helped establish CHeBA and Australia as leaders in this under-recognised area of dementia research.

Preventing epidemics in aged care

Prof. MacIntyre, Head of the ’s Biosecurity Program, will lead an interdisciplinary team of researchers focused on infection prevention in aged care.

The Prevention of Epidemics in Aged Care with Carers, Consumers and Community (PEACCCC) Centre will focus on respiratory and gastroenteritis epidemics and antimicrobial resistance. The research will inform the development of AI decision-support tools for early detection and mitigation, and a mobile app to help aged care providers implement practical interventions.

The project will bring together medical, engineering and aged care researchers, and be delivered in collaboration with aged care provider .��

“Aged care facilities face outbreaks with influenza, RSV, COVID-19, whooping cough and gastroenteritis. Residents are highly vulnerable, with many living with dementia,” Prof. MacIntyre said.

“What aged care facilities need and what our research will focus on is infection prevention and mitigation measures, such as vaccines and safe indoor air, that are equitable and applicable across the aged care spectrum.”

By analysing patterns across air-quality, biosensor and outbreak data, researchers will be able to identify emerging risks, then use AI tools and the app to deliver early warnings and practical, facility-specific actions, said Dr Charitha de Silva of 91ɫ��Ƭ’s School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, who will lead the Centre’s engineering work.

"This will help aged care providers act earlier, improve indoor air safety and protect residents and staff with minimal disruption.”

Accelerating diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases

Prof. Goodnow from the and 91ɫ��Ƭ Medicine & Health will establish the Centre for Somatic Mutation drivers and therapy of Autoimmune Diseases.

The grant recognises almost three decades of research into the . Prof. Goodnow and his team are working on the hypothesis that the cause of some, or all, autoimmune diseases is the evasion of immune tolerance checkpoints by ‘rogue clones’ with mutations in their DNA.

By targeting cells with these abnormalities, they hope to put autoimmune diseases into long-term remission, without the need for immunosuppressants, helping to improve the quality of life for those affected by these mostly chronic and incurable condition.

“Autoimmune diseases are relatively common, with more than 10% of the population impacted, and most people have the same questions: ‘What caused this and what can I do about it?’,” Prof Goodnow said.

“We want to address these concerns by not only gaining a better understanding of a common cause driving autoimmune diseases, but by developing and testing therapies that offer patients a better option than immunosuppressive drugs, which while currently the gold standard for managing these conditions, often come with significant side effects.”

Researchers will use two recent advancements. The first is new single cell technologies that identify DNA mutations accumulating in immune cells driving autoimmune disease. The second is new antibody and CAR-T cell-based therapies to purge the body of these rogue cells to achieve lasting remission.

The Centre will focus on autoimmune diseases that affect the blood, joints and gut, including rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease. The new funding will also provide support and mentorship for Early and Mid-Career Researchers.