Genomics researchers advance Queensland health care

The Palaszczuk Government is positioning Queensland as a world leader in the translation of genomics research into healthcare practice, today announcing the first recipients of its $25 million Queensland Genomics Health Alliance (QGHA) funding.

Speaking at CEDA, Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick announced $4.8 million had been awarded to recipients of the first of three rounds.

“Four of the projects will receive $600,000 over 18 months to demonstrate the use of genomic medicine to diagnose and manage patients with melanoma, lung cancer, infectious diseases and maturity-onset diabetes of the young,” Mr Dick said.

“The researchers and clinicians intend to show how genomics can provide significant benefits to the diagnosis and management of people suffering from these conditions.

“Five projects aimed at building the capability of Queensland’s health services to implement genomics to improve the health of Queenslanders will receive $480,000 over 18 months.

“They will establish infrastructure and capacity in information management, genomic testing innovation, workforce development, ethics, legal and social implications and evaluation of the application of clinical genomics in the Queensland health system.”

He said one example of how important these projects were to Queenslanders’ future was the workforce development project.

“It is aimed at building genomics knowledge and skills in current and future clinicians by developing teaching materials to upskill scientists and clinicians in genomics, including establishing the first postgraduate program in Diagnostic Genomics in Australasia,” Mr Dick said.

“This funding is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s five year commitment to QGHA, which is a collaboration involving Queensland-based universities and research organisations, the Queensland Hospital and Health Services network, private health providers, and associated health organisations throughout Queensland.”

Executive Director of QGHA David Bunker said the funding had been allocated to this ground-breaking initiative to fast track genomics research and its translation into our healthcare system.

“The capacity for genomics to improve patient outcomes is a reality, and it’s important that decisions around health systems are made based on research evidence,” Mr Bunker said.

Visit www.qgha.org for more information about the Queensland Genomics Health Alliance.

The successful four clinical demonstration projects receiving $600,000 each over 18 months are:

The successful five capability-building workstream projects receiving $480,000 each over 18 months are:

ENDS

Media contact:

Emma McBryde        0447 155 332