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The Lung Institute of
Western Australia &CAARR
Postgraduate Research
For the six million
Australians who struggle
to take a breath, LIWA
offers support and hope
for a healthier future.
Why Research Lung Disease
6 Million Australians struggle to breathe.
60
x
Almost one in three Australians
Melbourne Cricket
Ground
Why lung disease?
A major problem for Australia;
• Asthma – Australia &NZ highest in world
• Emphysema – 4th most common cause of death
• Lung cancer – Most lethal of all cancers
• Cystic fibrosis – most common genetic disease
• Pneumonia – a major problem for the elderly &
& infection
indigenous people
• Bronchiectasis – an emerging epidemic in Australia
• Mesothelioma – asbestos & WA
• Pul. Hypertension – poorly recognised
Our Research Philosophy
Address the breadth of lung disease using
the best research tools available
• Bridge lab to clinic
• Encourage a multidisciplinary approach
• Encourage networking & collaboration
• Ensure mutual recognition of the merits
of both Basic and Clinical science
LIWA’s Aims
• Support high quality research
• Support young scientists
• Educational & scientific
resource for the community
• Improve well-being of patients
• Be an advocacy group for
better lung health
Cadets, Thomas and Sarah
LIWA’s Research Units
Biological Sciences
Research
Clinical Sciences
Research
World Class Researchers
•Tissue Repair, Inflammation & Cancer
•Molecular Genetics
•Pleural Disease
•Stem Cell
•Clinical Trials Unit
•Pul. Vascular Disease
•Physiotherapy
•Cardiothoracic Surgery
•Cystic Fibrosis /Bronchiectasis
LIWA’s Research Units
Biological Sciences Research
•Tissue Repair, Inflammation & Cancer
•Head – Steve Mutsaers
•Research Activities
• Micro RNA and mesothelioma
• Sonic Hedgehog signalling in mesothelioma
& lung cancer
• STAT signalling in pulmonary fibrosis
• Stem cells in mesothelial tissue repair
• Role of kinins in tumour angiogenesis
Funding
•NH&MRC
•Dust Diseases Board of NSW
LIWA’s Research Units
Biological Sciences Research
•Molecular Genetics Unit
•Head – Phil Thompson
•Research Activities
• Antisense therapies for Asthma
• Pharmacogenetics of Asthma medications
• Gene regulation & role of splice variants as
regulators of inflammatory pathways
• Candidate gene polymorphisms
• GWAS for asthma in national/international
consortia
Funding
NH&MRC
CRC for Asthma and Airways
LIWA’s Research Units
Biological Sciences Research
•Pleural Disease Unit
•Head – Gary Lee
•Research Activities
• Development of biomarkers of mesothelioma
• Mechanisms of pleural effusion development
• Better management of Pleural effusion
•Mechanisms underlying pleural infection
Funding
Welcome Trust, MRC UK
Raine; LIWA; State Government
LIWA’s Research Units
Biological Sciences Research
•Stem Cell Unit
•Head – Yuben Moodley
•Research Activities
• Use of mesenchymal stem cells in COPD
• Animal studies on mesenchymal stem cells
for lung repair
•Development of a tracheal explant model for
assessing injury repair pathways
Funding
RPH
UWA
LIWA’s Research Units
Clinical Sciences Research
•Clinical Trials Unit
Largest respiratory trials unit in Australia
•Pul. Vascular Disease & Transplantation
Recognised internationally for pioneering work
on early detection of Pul Hypertenison
•Physiotherapy
Lead group in developing assessments of
breathlessness
•Cystic Fibrosis /Bronchiectasis
New unit looking at inflammatory mediators in
these diseases and new treatments
•Cardiothoracic Surgery
Prevention of ischaemic injury during surgery
Funding
LIWA derives its
income from diverse
sources.
INCOME
1%
2%
0%
23%
40%
11%
EXPENSES
23%
SALARIES
RESEARCH CONSUMABLES
INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
NATIONAL GRANTS
LOCAL GRANTS
CLINICAL TRIALS
DONATIONS
MEMBERSHIPS
CONTRACTS
ADMINISTRATION
11%
18%
Over 70% of our expenditure
is on research.
71%
LIWA RESEARCH
• Is multifaceted, bridges lab to clinic
• Has national and international
collaborations
• Welcomes partnering in research
either at the laboratory or patient level