The National NHMRC Baboon Colony [ 2007 - 2012 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Annemarie Hennessy (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Anthony D'Apice ,  Prof David Le Couteur ,  Prof John Rasko ,  Prof Philip O'Connell
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Brief description The National NH and MRC Baboon colony provides access to large non-human primates to support Australia's research efforts in diverse scientific areas around the country. These include diabetes research (kidney involvement and prevention of kidney damage, nerve damage and eye damage); treatment options inlcuding gene therapy of blood-bone-marrow cancers; understandng pregnancy changes in blood pressure and the causes of hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy; identification of new techniques for analyis of brain function; the effects of aging on liver function especially with regards to drug metabolism; new therapies for transplantation which would allow more rational and lower-safer drug use for transplant patients; breaking down the barriers to animal-to-human transplantation through assessment of safety and development of new techniques; behavioural aspects of fertility management; vaccine development; development of oral vaccination; the nature of wound healing. There is diverse and wide access to the National NHMRC Baboon colony from research interests around Australia. The use of the animals is at all times approved by the Animal welfare Committee governing the colony, as well as that which governs the researchers involved. All approved projects have been given access to the animals required. The need for non-human primate use as opposed to other animals or other techniques not involving animals is justified to the relvant committees before any project proceeds. The use of the animals therefore adds a dimension to Australian research due to animal similarity to humans physiology or size comparisons. Contributions made by the colony in the last 20 years are listed in the attached references, but understanding physiology at a depth not possible with other animals has changed our thinking about the human condition as a result of primate -based research.

Funding Amount $AUD 632,700.00

Funding Scheme Enabling Grants

Notes Enabling Grant