research project b adelaide uni

School of Economics and Public Policy

Our Research

Research represents an integral part of the School of Economics and Public Policy, and we proudly explore a diverse range of topics and areas, including big data analyses, behavioural and experimental analysis, and applied economics in resources, agriculture, development, and trade. The school is recognised as ‘Above World Standard for Research Excellence'.

Research themes

Given the inherent interactions between economic research themes, we aim to identify our research focus areas by purpose and have highlighted some of these below.

• Economic and public policy

Research in this area aims to understand the overall state of the economy and how it can be influenced by government intervention. The research focuses on the identification of the factors influencing income, employment levels, and welfare. It also investigates how government policy should be designed in an increasingly globalised world. Emphasis includes monetary policy, tax policy, education, poverty and welfare, delivery of public services, health economics, and economic development.

Economic growth, development and trade

Research explores the disparities observed in the level of wealth and in the rate of economic growth among nations. Our research focuses on improving the well-being of the poor by understanding and analysing the role of international trade and technological changes. The research contributes to the fields of macroeconomics, development economics, international trade, and economic history.

• People, behaviour and choices

Our research in this area focuses on understanding the choices made by individuals and businesses while accounting for own preferences, self-interest, limited resources, and asymmetric information. The areas of specialisation include behavioural economics, mechanism design, experimental economics, game theory, social networks, and social choices. The behavioural economics group hosts the experimental laboratory ( AdLab ).

Agri-food, water and environmental systems

Our research addresses economic, policy, agribusiness and social issues affecting global food systems, targeting the following research areas: food policy; international development; food system innovation; water policy; healthy societies; and resilient landscapes. In addition, we connect relevant partners ranging from industry organisations and enterprises to government institutions and policy makers. This improves translation and uptake of research.

• Econometric methods and applications

Our research in this theme uses state-of-the-art econometric and statistical techniques to identify and quantify various socio-economic models. Topics of emphasis include the identification and estimation of treatment effects models, social networks, and trade models; and the evaluation of economic, education, health and environmental policies. The research also encompasses the development of new statistical methods to guide governments and businesses in the formulation of effective environmental and economic policies based on the exploitation of large datasets.

Wine Economics Research Centre

Established in 2010 to promote and foster its growing research strength in the area of wine economics, and to complement the University's long-established strength in viticulture and oenology research.

Geoff Harcourt Visiting Professorship

The Geoff Harcourt Visiting Professorship will annually invite a global leader in a field of economics to share their knowledge and experience not only with economic and business students and staff but also with the business community.

Seminars and workshops

The School of Economics and Public Policy hosts regular seminars and workshops on a wide range of economics and cross-disciplinary topics.

View seminar and workshop schedules

Our researchers

Learn more about our researchers involved in:

• Economic Growth, Development and Trade
• Agri-food, water and environment systems

Working papers

The School of Economics and Public Policy is committed to research excellence and has cultivated strong and diverse research.

Browse School of Economics and Public Policy Working Papers  

Browse Institute for International Trade Working Papers

Interested in postgraduate research?

We have strong research record and offers a supportive and collegial learning environment that enables research students to receive individualised attention and interact closely with academic staff.

All higher degree research students are supervised to ensure the highest quality research outcome that is internationally competitive, including our own staff, supervisors from other Faculties within the University and experts from other universities in Australia and abroad.

Higher degrees by research

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Participate In Research

Would you like to be a part of ground breaking medical research? Researchers in our faculty frequently undertake clinical trials to test new medical treatments and interventions. Your participation is crucial to improving the health of our population. Explore our currently enrolling trials below.

What is a clinical trial, and why do we need them?

Clinical trials are research studies that involve human volunteers who are assigned to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes. Clinical trials are essential for the development of new medical treatments and interventions. They are used to determine if a new intervention works, if it is safe, and whether or not it is an improvement on currently available treatments.

The following trials are currently seeking participants:

Mind-body therapies for people with persistent pain post-stroke.

Have you had a stroke and have pain?  We want to hear from you about your experience of pain after stroke and your thoughts or experiences of mind-body therapies.

Ongoing pain after stroke can be challenging, with limited available or effective treatments. We know for some people with pain that mind-body therapies (such as relaxation, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, hypnosis) can be useful, but not enough is known about these therapies for people with pain after stroke. We want to know about your experience of pain after stroke and your thoughts and/or experiences of mind-body therapies.

Join us for a one-on-one interview, conducted via Zoom (or if requested and possible face-to-face), to share your experience of pain after stroke, and tell us about your thoughts on mind-body therapies. 

Eligibility criteria

You are eligible to participate if you meet all of the following:  

• You are at least 18 years of age or older
• You have persistent pain (pain lasting or recurring for longer than 3 months) after having had a stroke
• You speak fluent English, and consider your speech and language suitable to understand and answer interview questions
• You can understand the Participant Information Sheet and provide informed consent
• You live in Australia in the community (not low or high level care)
• You are willing to participate in an online interview (approximately 1 hour) (or face-to-face if requested and possible).

Your participation may help discover ways to better support people with persistent pain after stroke.

A $30 gift card will be available for participants.

Contact details

For further information, or if you would like to participate, please contact:

Nicole Prideaux Email: [email protected] Ph:  08 8313 3697

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee, H-2023-271, The University of Adelaide.

My Story, Our Journey – longitudinal study

This study aims to investigate the experiences of underserved people and communities with a long-term illness, and their carers, in South Australia, to determine how we can better support individuals to access end-of-life care. This study is proudly funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group.

What am I being invited to do?

Researchers from the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia are speaking with people with a life-limiting illness, every 3 or so months (until 2026), for around 90 minutes. Interviews can be either face to face, or online. During the interview, you will be asked about your life, particularly around your experiences of your health diagnosis and any health challenges. We are interviewing people with a life-limiting illness, as well as their carers, either together or separately, or a combination of both. We are also interested in speaking with either individuals or their carers alone, if this suits you and your family best. Participants will receive two $100 gift cards as a token of appreciation for their time, presented at our first and last meetings.

Eligibility requirements

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• are 18+ years
• living in South Australia (metropolitan or rural)
• live with a life-limiting illness (e.g. doctors have told you they can no longer treat your illness)
• identify with one or more of the following backgrounds: culturally and linguistically diverse, impacted by low socio-economic backgrounds, living in a rural area.

OR, people who are carers of these individuals

Contact details for registrations of interest

For further information about this study, please visit our website or email [email protected] . If you would like to participate in the study, please contact:

Dr Georgia Rowley (CALD participants) Email:  [email protected] Phone: 0468 571 630

Dr Karen Nobes (lower SES participants) Email:  [email protected] Phone: 0405 472 691

Shannen van der Kruk (rural participants) Email: [email protected] Phone: 0422 707 007

Investigating neuronal oscillations and motor function in older adults

As we get older, the way we move changes, and this can make it harder to do everyday activities like lifting objects, holding keys or cutlery, or standing up from a chair. However, the extent to which this occurs varies a lot between people; understanding what allows some people to retain a lot of motor function as they get older may allow us to help those that lose motor function faster. This project will look at how changes in the brain’s electrical activity (for example  ‘brain waves’ ) contribute to the retention of motor function as we age.

Participants will be required to attend two sessions. The first will be held at the Neurophysiology of Human Movement Laboratories on Level 4 of the Helen Mayo South Building (Frome Road, Adelaide CBD). This will last approximately 2 - 3 hours and involve performance of a motor task while we record your brain activity with painless and non-invasive techniques. The second session will be held at the Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, located in the South Australian Health and Medical Research Centre (SAHMRI). This will last approximately 30 mins and involve imaging of your brain with MRI. Participants will receive a $45 honorarium for each successful session they complete.

• are aged 18-40 or over 60 years
• are right handed
• have no history of neurological impairments (e.g. epilepsy) or brain injury
• are not using medications that affect neurological function (e.g. antidepressants, sedatives, antipsychotics)
• do not have a cardiac pacemaker

Ekaterina Voevodina Email: [email protected]

Dr George Opie Email: [email protected]

‘Chemobrain’: the support experiences of young adult childhood cancer survivors

This research project is about young adult survivors of childhood cancer who experience ‘chemobrain’. ‘Chemobrain’ can include effects on everyday functions such as memory, learning and decision making. The aim of this research is to explore the experiences of young adult survivors of childhood cancer who experience ‘chemobrain’ and explore the past and current impacts it has had.

Read the Participant Information Sheet .

You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:

• you are between the age of 18 and 25 years old
• you have a previous diagnosis of childhood cancer under the age of 18
• you completed chemotherapy treatment, of any type or any duration, at least 6 months ago
• you are currently in remission  or cancer-free
• you experience self-reported or clinically diagnosed cognitive issues following treatment (e.g., memory or attention issues)
• you reside in Australia and speak English fluently

You will not be eligible to participate if you,

• have a diagnosed learning disability prior to cancer diagnosis and treatment
• have a diagnosis of a neurological disorder
• are not fluent in English

You are being invited to participate in a one-on-one online Zoom interview.  Prior to the interview, you will need to complete a short survey.

Once your survey is received you will be contacted to set up a time for the interview, if eligible.

A copy of the interview themes will be provided to you ahead of time. During the interview you will be asked about your past and current experiences of ‘chemobrain’, your experience with accessing support, and, if provided, where you believe more support needs to be implemented. Participants may choose to have a support person, such as family or a friend, present during the interviews for support.

Miss Ines Semendric  Email:  [email protected] .

Paediatric Hip Shape and Function Study

Current surgical decision pathways rely heavily on x-rays to determine whether or not a child with a hip condition needs surgery. However, x-ray cannot always accurately represent the 3-dimensional shape of the hip and further, cannot predict hip function.

In this study, we want to investigate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in taking images of still (static) and moving (dynamic) hips alongside gait analysis – wherein we record walking patterns and look at how joints and muscles move – to measure hip function in normal walking.

The aims of this study are to:

• Compare hip shapes in children/adolescents with hip conditions who have been recommended further surgery to those who have not, and to a group of children/adolescents without hip conditions
• Compare walking patterns (including speed, hip flexion, muscle activation patterns) in the same groups of children/adolescents
• Investigate the clinical use of information gained from dynamic movement in the MRI scanner

We hope that the results of this study could help us to better understand the changes in hip shape and function in children with hip conditions, and better determine which children will benefit from surgery.

What do participants have to do?

• Complete a 60-minute gait assessment at the Clinical Research Facility, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building, North Terrace, Adelaide
• Complete a 45-minute MRI assessment at Dr Jones and Partners, SAHMRI
• Both the participant and their parent or guardian will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the participant’s general health and function in daily life

Eligibility requirements:

You or your child may be eligible to participate if you/they are:

• Aged between 4 and 17 years (inclusive)
• Able to understand instructions given in written or spoken English
• Able to undergo an MRI assessment (check contra-indications for MRI here )
• Have not previously had a surgery on any part of the leg (e.g., knee, ankle, hip), and have not been injured within the last month
• Have not been diagnosed with any congenital, neurological, or musculoskeletal condition which affects the way they walk, or the way their bones develop. This includes developmental dysplasia of the hip, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, for example.

Contact details for more Information

If you are interested and would like to learn more about the study, please contact Matilda Krywanio, or register your interest via the REDCap survey .

Phone: +61 (08) 8313 0821

Email: [email protected]

Children's Knowledge of Emotional Expressions

We are seeking children and parents to participate in a study assessing children’s emotion recognition and production abilities. This research is being conducted through the Develop Well laboratory at the University of Adelaide. If you are interested in participating, please see below.

Eligibility requirements: 

Your child must be aged 7 - 10 years, and their parent aged 18 + years. You and your child must speak proficient English. 

Contact Details for Registrations of Interest: 

If you are interested in participating, please complete this form .

For additional information, please contact Imogen Holdsworth .

Stratifying low-calorie sweeteners for type 2 diabetes risk (“SWEET n SOUR”) Artificial Sweeteners “Good or Bad?”

What is the purpose of the trial.

The use of low-calorie (or “non-nutritive”) sweeteners has increased greatly in recent decades because they are perceived as healthy replacements for sugar. However, large population studies suggest that regular intake of these sweeteners can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This study is designed to investigate whether different low-calorie sweeteners are more or less prone to affect blood glucose control. We will also test which sweeteners affect glucose absorption from the intestine, and whether they alter the types and amount of bacteria present in the intestine.

Upon completion of our study (Approx. 5 week duration from beginning to end with four half day study visits), participants will receive an honorarium of up to $350 via EFT transfer.

• have not been diagnosed with any form of heart disease or diabetes
• no significant health issues or medications that that may influence gastrointestinal motor function, body weight or appetite
• no kidney, liver or iron deficiencies
• aged 18-70, healthy, BMI 189-30kg/m2
• smokes less than 10 cigarettes a day
• not pregnant, breastfeeding

For further information, or if you would like to participate, please contact:  Michelle or Jacqui on 8313 6676 or Email:   [email protected]   ( “Sweet N Sour Study” in the Subject) or fill out the online form to check your eligibility.

SAGE-T2D Study

Semaglutide, more commonly known as Ozempic, is a drug that is prescribed to manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is widely used today and is injected under the skin once weekly. A potential mechanism through which semaglutide lowers blood sugar levels after a meal is by slowing the rate of stomach emptying, the specific effects on stomach emptying have not yet been quantified using the gold standard technique of scintigraphy. This study aims to determine these effects, as well as the impact of semaglutide once weekly on the relationship between the rate of stomach emptying and blood pressure after a carbohydrate meal. The study will also assess the duration of any effect on stomach emptying after discontinuing the medication. This information is expected to be valuable for the effective use of semaglutide in managing individuals with type 2 diabetes. This is an investigator-initiated study.

We we are looking for male and female participants aged between 40 and 80 years with type 2 diabetes, who are in general good health and managed by diet and/or metformin only. Study participants are required to attend the Clinical Research Facility at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building on North Terrace.  

Eligible participants are studied over a 16-week period. Participants will have their rate of stomach emptying measured using a non-invasive technique in Weeks 1, 12, 13 and 16 and attend for weekly injections of semaglutide or placebo from Week 2 to Week 12.

To register your interest in taking part in this study, please follow the link below or contact the Study Co-ordinator.

Ms Seva Hatzinikolas Study co-ordinator Phone: 0402 593 400 Email:   [email protected]

Interpretation and production of emotion in family contexts

The ability to express emotions is an important communicative skill, and one which develops throughout childhood. Because of this slow timeline, children generally find it harder to express emotion with other people, and consequently, adults have difficulty understanding what children are trying to tell them through facial expressivity. We are interested in strengthening our understanding of how emotional expressions are communicated and understood between children and their siblings or parents. Specifically, we aim to understand how well children and parents typically interpret each other’s facial expressivity. To test this, you are invited to participate in a series of fun and interactive emotion guessing games with your child. Participation will take place in the Develop Well Lab at the University of Adelaide’s North Tce campus, and is expected to take approximately half an hour of your time. Your child will receive a small gift and certificate for their participation.

Eligibility Requirements

Children aged between 4 and 10 years, and their parent, are invited to participate.

Contact Details for Registrations of Interest

If you are interested in participating in our study, please visit our participant information sheet and booking form .   For further information, please contact: Kye Palmer Email: [email protected]

Be a SU-POO-HERO

Donate your poo and help us develop therapies that save lives.

Poo contains a complex community of tiny, microscopic organisms that could make a difference in the lives of millions of people. The healthy microbial communities collected in the stool samples you donate to BiomeBank will be used to:

• make donor derived microbiome-based therapies to treat people with recurrent  C. difficile  infection
• learn how and why different microbial species influence our health
• discover and develop next generation microbiome-based therapies to treat chronic disease.

HERE'S HOW


STEP 1: Check eligibility online/in person and answer questionnaire

 STEP 2: Schedule a visit at our North Terrace facility for a 30min Clinical Assessment (blood, stool, nasal swabs)

 STEP 3: Once approved, you can donate in a 60 day period

HERE'S WHY


• Directly contribute to improving people's daily lives through restoration of the gut microbiota.

• Have coffee, breakfast or a healthy snack on us after you donate.
• Access to recipes, meal plans, and well-being tips from a leading dietician.
• Welcome pack, monthly prize draw - including supermarket vouchers.
• You will be reimbursed for your donations

BiomeBank’s state-of-the-art facility is open at 21 North Terrace, in the CMAXX building, making donation convenient.

Visit biomebank.com  to get started.

Perspectives on Manual Wheelchair Skills Training

Manual wheelchair training is important for the safety, independence and community participation of manual wheelchair users . Having good training can reduce health service use and reduce reliance on carer partners. However, many wheelchair users receive insufficient training or training that is not appropriate to their needs. This research project seeks to understand the experiences and perceptions of people introduced to wheelchair use as an adult or older adult due to chronic or progressive conditions and healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of wheelchair training for adults/older adults with chronic and progressive conditions . This knowledge will help enhance understanding of what training approaches exist, who they work for and why so that recommendations and guidelines can be developed for people providing wheelchair training to ensure wheelchair training is delivered and centred around users’ needs.

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following eligibility:

Providers of Wheelchair Training

- Experience in the provision of manual wheelchair training to manual wheelchair users who commence manual wheelchair use as an adult (over aged 18 years) due to chronic, progressive or age-related conditions.

Wheelchair Users

- Wheelchair users/caregivers must have commenced manual wheelchair user as an adult (over aged 18 years) due to chronic, progressive or age-related conditions.

Contact details:

Kimberly Charlton: [email protected]  

A new intrauterine device for people with period pain

Alyra Biotech has developed a new intrauterine device (Alyra Device) to help people with difficult to manage period and pelvic pain, including people with endometriosis. Professor Louise Hull and the great team of doctors and nurses at PARC Research Centre located within the Royal Adelaide Hospital invite you to be part of this important trial. They will care for you throughout the study period, and you can withdraw from the trial at any time if the device doesn’t suit you. The first 12 participants are required to have at least one child to assist with insertion of the device. After this, the trial will be available to a wider group of people. 

Alyra Biotech is an Adelaide-based company and this is a South Australian initiative. 

The trial involves:

• One overnight stay and additional visits to PARC
• Insertion of an intrauterine device
• Recording your experience on a phone app each day

Trial benefits for you:

• Being part of a trial especially designed to help people with difficult to manage pain
• $2000 payment for time spent at the clinic
• Pelvic ultrasound
• A consultation and pain management plan for your future pain needs

In order to be eligible for participation in this study, you must be 18 to 45 years of age, be able to speak/read English fluently, have period pain and have had a baby. You must not be using hormonal or opioid medications.

Complete this short questionnaire and leave your details. 

Alternatively, contact A/Prof Susan Evans Email: [email protected] .au Phone: 0418849895

Effects of the influenza vaccination on cognition, speech tasks, physical movement and immunological responses; a two-way crossover double-blinded placebo controlled study

This research project is about understanding how our bodies respond to the influenza vaccine. We already know that following the administration of a vaccine, our innate (inborn/natural/inherent) immune system responds as it tries to make sense of the vaccine. Some people feel mild symptoms after they receive the influenza vaccine. It has been reported in the Australian Immunisation Handbook that approximately 1-10% of people will experience mild fever, malaise (general feeling of illness/discomfort) and myalgia (muscles aches and pains). These symptoms form part of our bodies defence system (our innate immune system) and we call this an illness response. This illness response results in you feeling unwell, like you may be coming down with a cold (or ironically, the flu), and also has the potential to impair your thinking and cognitive processing. These mind and body changes, though acute, can significantly impact some individuals’ ability to perform their normal daily activities. If you are eligible for our study, you will be volunteering to attend the Advanced Cognitive and Experimental Psychology (ACEP) Clinic in the Hughes building on two separate occasions for approximately 10 hours on each study day . By the end of the study, after you have attended the ACEP Clinic twice, you will have received a placebo (saline) injection and an influenza injection, but you will not be told which treatment you received during the study days. During both study days, you will be asked to perform a range of cognitive, speech and physical tasks at specified timepoints. We will also be measuring your brain electrophysiological activity using an electroencephalograph (EEG; a cap that you wear over your head with electrodes that is attached to a computer), your heart rate, and we also take blood samples from you. Due to the amount of times we are taking blood from you, we will insert a cannula (a thin tube that can be inserted into a vein for easy blood sampling) into your non-dominant arm. This study has been approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and The University of Adelaide’s HREC (approval number 2023-03-238). Universal Trial Number U1111-1293-1315. The trial has also been registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000650695) and can be viewed via the following link https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385973&isClinicalTrial=False .

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:

• are healthy and between 18 and 40 years of age.
• have no history of seizures, head injury or head physiognomy (head shape) that would preclude electroencephalograph (EEG) cap placement.
• are able to provide written and informed consent in English.
• are willing to receive the influenza vaccination during the trial.
• have a body weight greater than 50 kg (minimum blood donation weight set by the Red Cross Blood Bank; BMI index between 18.5-24.9).
• are a non-smoker or have ceased smoking for more than 3 months.

Upon successful completion of our study (attending one pre-screening session and attending the ACEP Clinic on two separate occasions approx. 4-8 weeks apart), participants will receive an honorarium $400 gift card for your time.

For more details on the inclusion/exclusion criteria and to check your eligibility, contact Dr Juliana Bajic [email protected] 0424 724 916 Dr Bajic will send you more information on the study, if you remain interested in participating in our study, you will be invited to attend a pre-screening session held at the university (approx. 1h) which will give you the chance to meet some of the research team, ask questions about the study, check your eligibility and provide consent. If you are eligible and consent to being enrolled in the study, during this session we will take some measurements and run a few simple pre-baseline tests on you, that you will be asked to repeat on the study days.

Effect of exercise on chronic neck pain with central sensitisation

In a recent study, we found that exercise is effective for some, but not others, in the treatment for chronic neck pain. This difference could be due to the presence of central sensitisation (i.e. altered pain sensitivity) in some individuals. We also found that exercise-derived lactate may play a potential role in the hypoalgesic (i.e. decreased pain sensitivity) effect of exercise.

In this new study, we aim to investigate the effect of two different exercise-intensity in people with chronic neck pain, and the role of exercise-derived lactate in altering pain sensitivity.

It is widely acknowledged that exercise is important for maintaining a good physical and mental health, mood and cognition. The effectiveness on health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain, however, has shown to vary across different populations and different types of exercise.

Participants in this study will engage in 2 assessment sessions conducted by an exercise physiologist, and it is possible that you will experience positive effects on your health outcomes. Participants will undergo assessments for measures of central sensitisation, and perform a 30-minute cycling exercise, during each session. Participants can choose to receive a plain language summary of the study results.

All aspects of this study, including the exercise physiologist-delivered exercise session, are FREE – there are no costs involved for the participant. Upon successful completion of the study, participants will receive a $20 gift voucher as an honorarium for their time.

• have chronic neck pain for more than 12 weeks
• are aged 19-65 years.

In addition to the above, you will be ineligible to participate in this study if you:

• have had surgery to the neck
• have known or suspected serious spinal pathology
• have confirmed fracture or dislocation at time of injury
• have nerve root compression
• have had history or presentation of psychosis, bipolar disorder, organic brain disorder or severe depression
• are currently or had history of taking anti-depressant or anticonvulsant medication
• have comorbidities preventing from regular exercise.

Kenneth Chen Email : [email protected] (include 'NECK PAIN' in the email subject line)

Diabetes and emotional wellbeing study

Type 2 diabetes, a condition typically seen in adults, is becoming more common in adolescents and young people. There are no studies evaluating the emotional impact of Type 2 Diabetes on adolescents and young people, which is called 'diabetes distress'.

Participate in this study investigating how Type 2 Diabetes impacts young people. This will also help us develop ways to better support young people living with Type 2 diabetes.

You will need to complete three short questionnaires (total duration of less than 30 minutes) about your experience living with diabetes and your wellbeing in general. These surveys can either be completed from home (online or via mail/email) or in-person, depending on your preference.

Your participation in this study will give us important information about how living with Type 2 Diabetes affects young people and how we best support the emotional wellbeing of this patient group.

You  may  be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• are aged 10-19
• have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

Alexia S Peña Phone: 8161 8134 or 0405 373 297 Email: [email protected]

Saliva lithium monitoring

Patients taking lithium medication need to get regular blood tests to ensure they are on effective and safe dose. This study aims to look at whether we can reliably measure lithium levels in saliva, a much less invasive alternative to collecting blood.  Participants will be required to provide a blood through a blood draw and a saliva sample through drool collection. We will look at whether the lithium levels in both samples match each other. 

Samples may be provided at a number of SA Health sites across Adelaide, or at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building on North Terrace in the Adelaide CBD. A convenient location will be organised with participants once recruited for study.

The sample collection will take between 30 minutes to 1 hour and participants will receive a $20 Coles/Myer gift voucher honorarium after successful completion of the study.

• are aged 18-65
• are currently taking lithium medications

Phone:  (08) 8313 7676 Email:  [email protected]

Brain function and movement control in young and older adults

We are looking for healthy volunteers to investigate how the brain functions to control skilled hand movements, its ability to change its connections (neuroplasticity), and how this changes with age.

The study will involve an assessment of the pathway from the brain to the muscles by giving a series of brief (painless) magnetic pulses that make the hand twitch briefly. The electrical activity in these muscles is measured with electrodes placed on the skin. 

Participants will be required to attend several (2 to 4) sessions at the Neurophysiology of Human Movement Laboratories on Level 4 of the Helen Mayo South Building on Frome Road in the Adelaide CBD. Each session will last from 2-3 hours participants will receive a $30 gift voucher honorarium for each successful session they complete.

• are aged 18-35 or 60-80 years

Neurophysiology of Human Movement Group Email:   [email protected]

Impact of placement of visual information in the visual field to the ability to navigate in the environment and deploy attention

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems are becoming more prevalent in both our personal and working lives. However, we do not yet have a good understanding about how visual performance using these systems changes when we are interacting with the environment (standing or walking).

This study will help us understand how the placement of visual information in an AR / VR setting may impact visual processing and the ability to perform movements, interact with the environment and to deploy attention, especially when you are sitting, standing, or walking.

As part of this study, participants will be required to:

• Complete one testing session of about two hours at the Gait Analysis Laboratory, located in the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building on North Terrace
• Complete a pre-screen fitness test similar to the Australian Army basic entry requirements (including push-ups, sit-ups, and shuttle run)
• Have their eye movements and body position recorded using special sensors / cameras 
• Complete a visual processing task (on screen or in VR) while sitting, standing, or walking
• Upon successful completion of this study, participants will receive an honorarium of $50.
• are aged 18-50 years
• are free from major visual deficits 
• have a good understanding of the English language

Active Vision Lab Phone: (08) 8313 4321 Email:   [email protected]

Nutrients and gut function

Factors that control food intake, sugar levels in our blood, and the function of the stomach and small intestine are complex, and our understanding of them is far from complete. People vary in their eating habits, and this may also affect their ability to maintain a healthy digestive and metabolic system, and a healthy body weight. The composition of the foods that we eat can play an important role in regulating these factors, thereby keeping us healthy.  Our studies investigate the effects of various dietary nutrients, and taste compounds, on factors such as the contractions of the gut wall, the rate at which a meal empties from the stomach, the release of intestinal hormones, and the blood glucose response to a meal.

Upon successful completion of our studies, participants will receive an honorarium of up to $400 (dependent on the requirements of the particular study) via EFT transfer.

Our research group is conducting a number of various studies with the following eligibility requirements. You  may  be eligible to participate in our studies if you are:

• aged 18-60, healthy, BMI 19-25kg/m2
• aged 18-70, type 2 diabetic (T2D), BMI 19-35kg/m2
• a non-smoker
• not pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking hormonal contraception
• not vegan/vegetarian (consumption of a beef or tuna meal is required)

Nutrients GI Research team Email:   [email protected]   (include 'T2 DIABETIC' or 'HEALTHY' in the email subject line)

Exercise-induced structural and functional brain changes in individuals with chronic neck pain

In a recent study, we found several differences in the structural and functional characteristics of the brain between people with chronic neck pain and pain-free controls. We also found that exercise therapy appeared to have different effects on the brain in people with chronic neck pain.

In this new study, we aim to investigate those exercise-induced brain changes in people with chronic neck pain. In order to do that, participants will have an MRI scan at baseline, then participate in an 8-week exercise program, and then have their follow-up MRI scan to assess specifically what effects physical exercise has on the brain in people with chronic neck pain. 

It is widely acknowledged that exercise is important for maintaining a good physical and mental health, mood and cognition. The effectiveness on health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain, however, has shown to vary across different populations and different types of exercise. 

Participants in this study will engage in an 8-week exercise program, delivered by a physiotherapist from myPhysioSA Payneham, and it is possible that you will experience positive effects on your health outcomes. Each participant will also undergo two 30-min brain MRI scans at the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) on North Terrace, Adelaide. Participants can indicate they wish to receive images of their brain. Participants can choose to receive a plain language summary of the study results.

All aspects of this study, including the physiotherapist-delivered exercise program and the brain MRI scans, are FREE – there are no costs involved for the participant.

• have chronic neck pain at moderate intensity (>12 weeks)
• are aged 18-55 years 
• currently have a low level of physical activity
• are able to lie in an MRI scanner on your back for 30 minutes
• are free from metal implants or pacemaker (or other MRI contraindicators)
• have English proficiency level to understand Participant Information Sheet

In addition to the above, you will be  ineligible  to participate in this study if you:

• have a history of migraine headaches
• have diabetes
• are currently receiving treatment for your neck pain (e.g. physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, or similar) 
• have comorbidities preventing from regular exercise
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are claustrophobic

Dr Rutger de Zoete Email:   [email protected]   (include 'NECK PAIN' in the email subject line)

Brain plasticity study

Brain plasticity is essential for learning and memory in humans. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a powerful tool for non-invasively inducing plasticity in the human brain, opening exciting possibilities for its therapeutic application in depression and other psychiatric disorders.

However, despite the popularity of TMS in clinical research, its effects on brain activity and behaviour can vary dramatically from one individual to the next.

In this study, we will examine whether a novel TMS paradigm (termed repetitive paired-pulse TMS) is able to induce brain plasticity in humans, more reliably. The results will have important implications for guiding the therapeutic application of TMS.

Participants will be required to attend 3 sessions, 2 hours each where you will undergo non-invasive brain stimulation procedure to interpret how particular TMS protocols affect plasticity in the brain. This study will be conducted at the Clinical Research Facility, located on the 4th floor of the Adelaide Health and Medical Science building on North Terrace. All individuals who participate in this study will receive an honorarium of $20 per session ($60 in total).

You  may  be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• have not been diagnosed with neuropsychological disorder
• have not been diagnosed with head trauma
• have not been implanted with a medical device
• have not undergone or experienced spinal cord surgery and/or injury
• Suraj Suresh Email:   [email protected]
• Dr Mitchell Goldsworthy Email:  [email protected]

Effects of neuromodulation on brain excitability, fatigability and motor performance following an isometric fatiguing exercise protocol

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique that has been used previously to enhance fatigability and improve performance in simple motor tasks. However, its effect on brain excitability and motor performance after exercise in young and older adults is yet to be determined

In this experiment, participants will receive three separate treatments of tDCS over a three-week period at the Helen Mayo South Building (Frome Road, Adelaide) and will be required to perform a sustained submaximal isometric fatiguing exercise of the elbow flexor muscles during each session. Brain excitability will be measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a painless, non-invasive method of brain stimulation. Each session will last ~2.5 hrs and participants will be compensated $15 per hour in Coles/Myer gift cards as reimbursement for their time.

• are aged 18-35 or 60-85 years 
• have no history of epilepsy or seizures
• are not currently on any psychoactive medication such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or sedatives
• have no history of a stroke or metal implants in the skull
• have no history of arthritis in the wrist or elbow
• have no cardiac pacemakers

Miss Lavender Otieno Email:  [email protected]   (include 'FATIGUING STUDY' in the email subject line)

Night shift worker protein preload study

In this study, we are investigating how a protein supplement at dinner time may improve your blood glucose control overnight.

As part of the study, you will need to attend one of our clinical research facilities on 5 separate occasions over a 6-week period at the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) on North Terrace, Adelaide. Y ou will be reimbursed for your time with a $200 honorarium via direct EFT deposit after you have attended all sessions.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• are aged 35-65 years
• are overweight or obese (BMI 28-35 kg/m2)
• work night shifts (either in a rotating, permanent, or split shift schedule)

Dr Amy Hutchison Phone: (08) 8128 4862 Email:   [email protected]   (include 'SHIFT' in the email subject line)

Sweet taste diabetes research trial

The Intestinal Nutrient Sensing Group aims to investigate the way sugars enter the blood (from our food), and whether these uptake pathways in the gut can be targeted in new ways to better control blood sugar.

Our group has the following clinical studies underway, involving type 2 diabetic volunteers.

Study 1: Investigating a novel therapy to slow glucose entry into the blood, leading to improved control of blood glucose.

Study 2: Investigating whether diet supplementation with a combination of artificial sweeteners, affects blood glucose control.

You may be eligible to take part if you are:

• aged 28-75 years of age
• have type 2 diabetes, managed by diet or by metformin medication alone
• without diabetes and healthy
• not under any dietary restrictions (you will be required to consume a beef lasagne meal).
• To volunteer you must be willing to attend our clinic at SAHMRI and the Royal Adelaide Hospital on three separate occasions, over one month.

Upon successful completion of the study, volunteers will receive a $200 gift voucher. This research is approved by the Royal Adelaide Hospital Ethics Committee.

If you would like to be involved in our research studies, please contact 8128 4863 or email [email protected] to register your interest.

Genetics and environment in brain development: a twin study

Neurodevelopmental disorders like epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism and cerebral palsy affect the way your brain develops. Since people often have more than one neurodevelopmental disorder, scientists believe that they sometimes have a common cause.

This study invites monozygotic (identical) twins who are differently affected by one or more of these disorders to participate. We want to understand the causes of the differences in these twin pairs.

We hope that this will help us to predict babies at risk of developing a neurodevelopmental disorder, so that doctors can more closely watch these babies develop and design better therapies or treatments for them.

For further information and eligibility requirements, visit the Neurodevelopmental Disorder Study page.

Meditation and polycystic ovary syndrome

Does meditation improve quality of life and coping in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Women and adolescents with PCOS are more likely to have reduced quality of life and anxiety and/or mood symptoms than women without PCOS. There are no studies in girls or young women evaluating strategies like meditation to improve quality of life.

Transcendental Meditation ® (TM) is a type of meditation that is practised sitting comfortably with eyes closed. It is taught by certified teachers. TM improves stress levels in adults, and improves school behaviour and blood pressure in children and adolescents.

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of TM on quality of life and stress in adolescent girls and young women with PCOS. The secondary aim of this study is to assess the effects of TM on cortisol (a stress hormone in the body) and blood pressure.

• Females between 12 and 22 years of age diagnosed with PCOS by a medical practitioner.
• Females willing and able to participate in TM instruction and practice during the study.

A $30 honorarium will be issued to offset expenses associated with attending the study. 

Questionnaire only part of the study 

This additional part of the study requires females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This aspect of the study aims to understand mood and quality of life in adolescent females with PCOS.

• Females between 12 and 22 years old diagnosed with PCOS by a medical practitioner.
• Females willing to complete three questionnaires (mood, quality of life in general and in relation to PCOS).

Dr Alexia Pena Phone: 8161 8134 or 0405 373 297 Email: [email protected]

Quality of life in healthy girls

Quality of life and mental health are an increasingly important aspect of life. In particular, the quality of life and mental health of adolescents is important in better understanding the current situation and whether these factors differ across different populations, including those with health conditions. This study aims to find out more information about quality of life and mood in healthy adolescent girls and to compare the findings to girls who have specific health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

• Females between 12 and 22 years old who are healthy (i.e. do not have any medical condition that requires ongoing medical follow up).
• Females willing to complete two questionnaires about mood and quality of life. 

Dr Alexia Pena Phone: 8161 8134 or 0405 373 297 Email:  [email protected]

Brain rhythms and cognition in healthy ageing

Advancing age is associated with a progressive decline in short-term or 'working' memory abilities. The nerve cells of the human brain are constantly sending and receiving information, generating tiny electrical signals that are often called 'brain waves' or 'brain rhythm'. These brain rhythms play an important role in human behaviour, are linked to memory processes and are thought to change with age.

In this project, we will use advanced non-invasive brain recording techniques to investigate the role of these brain rhythms in short-term memory in both younger and older adults.

Experiments will include questionnaires, recordings of brain activity, and memory testing. The brain recording techniques are safe and painless and routinely used in memory research.

This study requires attendance of one session of approximately 2 hours duration at the Clinical Research Facility on level 4 of the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Tce. Participants will be reimbursed for their time with a $20 gift voucher.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are aged 18-35 or 60-80 years
• have no history of neurological impairments or brain injury

Ellen Williams Email: [email protected]

Lynton Graetz Email: [email protected]

Dr Mitchell Goldsworthy Phone: (08) 8313 1323 Email: [email protected]

Adolescents resisting the drinking culture

Significant numbers of Australian adolescents consume alcohol, with almost two thirds of them doing so at risky levels. As a consequence, the consumption of alcohol by Australian adolescents remains a national concern. The aim of this study is to establish new insights in the social phenomenon of adolescent drinking in Australia by applying an alternative lens and exploring what influences adolescents’ decisions to abstain, refrain or consume alcohol at low risk levels.  This study is part of a PhD being conducted in the Adelaide Nursing School, with Associate Professor Lynette Cusack as the Principal Investigator and Sue Sharrad as the PhD candidate.

As there is limited understanding of this phenomenon, this research is important for future health promotion and education strategy directions. 

To be eligible for the study, participants must be male or female adolescents, aged between 14-19 years of age, and either an abstainer, or low risk consumer of alcohol or can describe experiences where they have refrained from alcohol consumption.  Study participants must be able to commit to an interview that may last one to two hours.

Contact details for registration of interest

Student researcher and PhD candidate Sue Sharrad at [email protected] or phone 0414 383 349.

HREC Approval No: H-2016-217

Knee Function Study

Help investigate ways to assess knee function following lower-leg fracture surgery.

To be eligible for the study participants must:

• be aged between 18 and 65
• be able to understand written and spoken English
• not suffer from any existing musculoskeletal disorders associated with mobility problems or impaired functioning of the lower limbs.

Participants will receive a $20 gift voucher. This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Royal Adelaide Hospital. 

More information and registration of interest

For more information visit Knee Function Study

ENDIA - Australia's largest study into the causes of Type 1 Diabetes in childhood

Type 1 Diabetes in children is twice as common as it was 20 years ago. To understand why, the ENDIA (Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity) Study (external link) is the world’s first to follow children from the pregnancy to determine what factors influence the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D).

This national study aims to follow 1400 babies who have a first degree relative with T1D. The study assesses environmental exposures and how these protect from or trigger the onset of T1D. ENDIA is an observational study; there are no interventions and participation is low risk.

Family members who meet the following criteria may be eligible for ENDIA:

• Pregnant women with T1D
• Men with T1D whose partner is pregnant
• Pregnant women with an older child who has T1D
• Babies less than 6 months of age who have a first degree relative with T1D.

To express your interest in the study contact ENDIA by email [email protected] or via the website at  www.endia.org.au (external link) , or call our nurse coordinators directly:

Recruitment continues into 2018. ENDIA also has a Regional Participation Program for those living too far from ENDIA sites to be able to participate from their home.

ENDIA is also on Facebook (external link)  for regular news and updates. Please like or share our posts to spread the word!

This study has ethical approval and current funding from JDRF Australia and the Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Imagination and ESP

This study aims to find out about a particular form of extra-sensory perception (ESP) known as precognition (correctly predicting a future target photograph from a set of five before the target is selected by a random number generator).

You will be required to complete a few questionnaires. This will be done in person at the School of Psychology. This should all take no longer than 30 to 40 minutes. Participants may also find benefit in contributing to potentially valuable psychological research, as well as gaining experience and knowledge in methods of psychological testing.

In order to be eligible for participation in this study, you must be 18 years or over, and be able to speak/read English fluently.

Dr Lance Storm Text “ESP” to 0437 032 556 Email:  [email protected] with the subject “ESP”

Dr Storm will respond as soon as possible with office location and available testing times.

Mind and brain research at SAHMRI

If you have encountered depression, anxiety, stress or chronic fatigue in your daily life, consider contributing to research at SAHMRI (external link) . 

GLP-1 for lowering plasma glucose in patients with type 2-diabetic patients

This study compares the effects of a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), when given by either intravenous or subcutaneous infusion. We aim to provide an optimal therapeutic effect with minimal adverse consequences, by comparing different delivery methods of a glucose lowering hormone GLP-1. 

After successfully completing the trial, a minimum of $360 is paid via EFT transfer  to participants as an honorarium for their time.

To be eligible for this study, you should be:

• diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes without any other significant illness 
• on long acting type insulin except (degludec)
• aged 18-79 years
• have a 20-35kg/m2 BMI

Michelle Bound Phone: (08) 8313 6676 Email:   [email protected]

Can loss of response to the gut hormone, GIP, be reversed in type 2 diabetes?

The gut hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), stimulates insulin secretion after meals, lowering blood glucose but it tends to be ineffective in people with type 2 diabetes. We are using a GIP antagonist to determine whether its glucose-lowering effect can be improved when type 2 diabetes is tightly controlled by 12 weeks of the oral anti-diabetic drug, called sitagliptin. We will evaluate the effects of GIP (using the GIP antagonist) at both the beginning and end of the intervention, by the use of an intraduodenal glucose infusion.

After successfully completing the trial, a minimum of $400 is paid via EFT transfer to participants as an honorarium for their time.

• diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (diet controlled or metformin only)
• NOT taking Sitagliptin (DPP-IV Inhibitor) medication

Michelle Bound Phone: (08) 8313 6676 Email:  [email protected]

Cognitive function across the lifespan

Adult volunteers are needed for a research project investigating how general cognitive function changes with age. We know that many aspects of cognitive function are to some extent determined by our genetics. Genes (DNA) that affect the expression of certain chemicals and receptors in the brain influence our ability to perceive and process information in our environment, form new memories, and make decisions.

This project will try to further refine our understanding of how our genetics influences our cognitive function across our lifespan. This project will lead to a deeper understanding of how cognitive function evolves over the course of healthy ageing, and could eventually lead to the development of a tool that could use information about an individual’s genetics to predict how their cognitive function may change over their lifespan. Importantly, this could help to identify individuals who are at risk for cognitive decline or dementia earlier, which could ultimately lead to more successful therapeutic interventions.

• Complete a 30-minute online questionnaire  www.borrowmybrain.org
• A series of tests of general cognitive function (memory, vocabulary, attention)
• A saliva sample, which will be used for DNA testing in order to determine whether genotypes that influence neurological functioning are related to cognitive function.

( All tests are non-invasive and should cause no discomfort) .

Participants will receive a $50 Coles Myer gift card on completion of the survey and laboratory visit.

We are looking for healthy participants who are:

• aged 18 years or older
• fluent English speakers
• not diagnosed with a neurological disorder and with no prior history of brain injury
• not experiencing a drug or alcohol dependency, either a current or previous condition
• not smoking more than five cigarettes per day
• not using medication that affects neurological function (e.g., sedatives, antipsychotics)
• not suffering from an uncorrected visual disorder
• not diagnosed with a learning disability.

For more information and to get started, visit www.borrowmybrain.org .

Cognitive function in patients with different subtypes of Parkinson’s disease

Volunteers are needed for a research project investigating Parkinson’s subtype and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease. This project will examine how general cognitive function differs in two different subtypes of Parkinson’s disease: tremor-dominant and akinetic-rigid. It has been shown that these two subtypes of Parkinson’s disease are associated with different cognitive outcomes, yet the reasons for this are still unclear.

This project will try to understand how patterns of cognitive performance differ between the two subtypes of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, we will investigate whether specific genetic information could be used to predict particular patterns of cognitive performance. Importantly, this understanding may improve our ability to predict who is at risk for the development of cognitive problems in people with Parkinson’s disease. Ultimately, this may lead to more personalised and effective treatment recommendations for cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.

• Attend two  2.5-3 hours sessions, in our city-based laboratory .  In the first session, individuals will be tested while taking their normal Parkinson’s medications. In the second session, individuals will be tested after 12-24 hours of not taking Parkinson’s medications.
• Complete an online questionnaire before attending each session.
• Complete a series of tests of general cognitive function (memory, vocabulary, attention).
• Provide a saliva sample, which will be used for DNA testing in order to determine whether genotypes that influence neurological functioning are related to cognitive function.

(All tests are non-invasive and should cause no discomfort).

We are looking for participants who:

• have a  diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
• are fluent English speakers
• have no previous diagnosis of dementia or a learning disability.

Participants will receive a $20 gift card after each of the two in-person sessions.

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact us:

Phone: (08) 8313 0012 Email: [email protected]

Improving chronic disease outcomes remotely with a digital NUDGE in individuals with type 2 diabetes

We are looking for adult volunteers to investigate how a series of electronic messages delivered via the phone can affect our eating behaviour and thereby improve glucose control in people living with type 2 diabetes.

Participants will be required to visit the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) in the Adelaide CBD three times over 4 weeks (less than 3 hours in total). Using a continuous glucose monitor and sleep monitor (both devices will be provided to you at no cost) – we will track your blood sugar levels and night-time sleep over a 2-week baseline period. If you are eligible for the intervention, as determined by examination of your baseline data, you will go through the same procedure for another 2 weeks whilst receiving 7 digital messages through your mobile.

All individuals who participate in this study will receive an $80 honorarium. If you are ineligible and excluded after the baseline monitoring period at V1, or if you chose not to continue further a $40 honorarium will be provided as compensation.

This study is not directly assessing a treatment for a disease, and as such, participants will not directly benefit from participating. However, some of the outcomes we measure (such as blood glucose and sleep parameters) may be indicators of your health. If these measures are outside of the normal ranges, you will be notified and provided with the relevant information to take to your GP for further evaluation.

At the end of the study, participants will be invited to return for an information evening where we will tell participants about the outcomes of the research. The outcomes of the study represents potential benefit to the community and potentially this proposal offers the novel opportunity to optimise glycaemic control in patients with T2DM.

• are aged 18 to 75 years
• have type 2 diabetes and managing it without insulin and/or sulfonylureas
• own a smart mobile phone
• are willing to provide a proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19
• are willing to provide the consent form to participate in the trial

Dr Lijun Zhao Email:  [email protected]

The Adelaide Pain and Plasticity Study (APPs)

This research project is about understanding the extent of brain adaptation (plasticity) in regions of the brain related to pain processing. This knowledge is critical to understanding the processes that result in pain and holds the promise of identifying new and effect treatment targets. Our objective is to use non-invasive brain imaging, stimulation and recording techniques to determine the role of brain changes in persistent low back pain. We hope to identify areas of brain adaptation that may respond to restorative brain stimulation techniques in future studies.

Participants will receive an honorarium of $80 for completion of the study.

This study will require attendance of up to four sessions of approximately 1-3 hours each at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI, level 4) and Clinical Research and Imaging Centre (North Pod of SAHMRI) – Adelaide CBD.

There are three sessions before the opt in for clinical trial (only for those with back pain) and we can provide $20 gift vouchers at the end of the first two sessions, and then $40 gift card on completion. There is no cost to the participant for an MRI of the head or for the recovery coach trial should they opt in, but there is also no remuneration for the recovery coach part. 

This study is categorised as low risk and has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide.

• are aged 18-80 years
• live in Adelaide
• have lower back pain
• have an interest in brain function

Dr Carolyn Berryman Phone: (08) 8313 1305 Email: [email protected]  

Assessing how concussion effects the brain

Concussions are extremely common injuries and are increasingly recognised to cause significant ongoing side effects in a large proportion of patients. However, the changes within the brain that drive the side effects of injury are not well understood. This project will use safe and non-invasive techniques to further investigate how brain function is altered after a concussion, and how changes in the brain drive side effects of injury.

To participate, we require people who have experienced a concussion within the past 24 months.

Participants will receive an honorarium of $45 per session. This study will require attendance of up to two sessions.

This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide.

• have experienced a concussion within the past 24 months 
• are aged 18 – 60 years

Dr George Opie Phone:  (08) 83134157 Email: [email protected]

Quitting Using Incentives: Trial for a HEaLthier Pregnancy (QUIT-HELP)

We are testing whether financial incentives help pregnant women to quit smoking.

QUIT-HELP is a clinical trial to test whether offering pregnant women financial incentives (vouchers) will help them quit smoking. To participate you need to be in the early stages of pregnancy and smoke. In this clinical trial, pregnant women are randomly allocated to the incentives group, or to the control group. The trial is being conducted at the Lyell McEwin and Modbury Hospitals. Participation involves 5 visits, usually on the same day as your clinic visit. At each visit we will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire and a breath carbon monoxide (CO) test.

All women participating in the study and completing the visits will receive $100 in vouchers. Women in the intervention group have the opportunity to receive up to $650 in vouchers, depending on when they quit smoking, and if they manage to stay smoke-free.

Access the detailed participant information sheet .

• are currently pregnant (less than 20 weeks),
• a smoker wanting to quit, and
• receiving antenatal care at Lyell McEwin or Modbury Hospital

Suzette Coat Mobile: 0466 458 274 Email: [email protected]

Functional Significance of the Pyramidalis Muscle

This collaborative research is being undertaken by the Gastrointestinal & Enteric Neuroscience and the Bone and Joint Osteoimmunology research groups in conjunction with industry partner Jones Radiology. This research aims to investigate the potential functional role(s) of a commonly unknown abdominal muscle that some regard as vestigial (serving no purpose) – the pyramidalis muscle. Taking part in this research involves participating in three studies, namely, shear-wave elastography, electromyography and force strain gauge. Shear-wave elastography Shear-wave elastography is a widely accepted medical ultrasound technology used to measure tissue density / “stiffness”. This research will use shear-wave elastography to measure tissue specific “stiffness” in the abdominal wall during non-strenuous movements, as a hypothesized functional role of the pyramidalis muscle. Electromyography Electromyography is a commonly used methodology designed to record muscle activity (contraction). This research project will use electromyography to measure pyramidalis muscle activity during non-strenuous functional movements of the trunk e.g., bending down to touch your toes (flexion), leaning backwards/arching your back (extension), side bending (lateral flexion) and twisting (rotation). Force Strain Gauge Force strain gauge is technology designed to measure magnitudes of force (i.e., how strong you are!). This project will use a force strain gauge machine to measure the amount of force you can produce during a trunk rotation movement (twisting your torso from one side to the other). Additional Study Measure: Brief Pain Questionnaire (i.e., the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)) Throughout this study you will be asked to complete a Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The BPI is used to record the level of participant comfort and discomfort. Acknowledgment of Appreciation Upon completion of all three studies, participants will receive a $40 honorarium in the form of a gift voucher.

Eligibility Criteria

You may be eligible to participate in this research project if you:

• Have no previous medical history of abdominal surgery or abnormality, e.g. hernia, caesarean section, appendix/gallbladder removal.
• Have a BMI <30

This study has been approved by Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2022-139)

For further information, or if you would like to participate, please register your interest by clicking the box below or contact the research team directly: Email: [email protected]

Forecasting Impairment and Neurodegenerative Disease risk following Traumatic Brain Injury (FIND-TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. However, it is more than a single, one-off event. Many people who have a TBI may experience long-lasting changes in their everyday function that can last for months, or even years, after the initial injury. TBI may also increase the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, scientists don’t yet understand the factors that predict who is at risk for long-term impairment or neurodegenerative disease development following a TBI.  This study seeks to understand whether we can use a combination of behavioural tests, brain scans and markers in the blood/saliva in order to predict this risk. If we can predict who is at risk of experiencing lasting difficulties following TBI, we may be able to better tailor care for individuals after receiving an injury.  We are looking for adult volunteers who have experienced a concussion or other traumatic brain injury to participate in a study at our labs in the Adelaide CBD.  You will need to attend two separate appointments to complete cognitive tests, motor tests, and an MRI scan. We will also ask you to provide blood and saliva samples.  To be eligible, you must have experienced a medically-diagnosed concussion or traumatic brain injury after age 10 and be aged 18+, a fluent English speaker, not suffering from uncorrected visual or hearing disorders and eligible for MRI scans (not suffering from claustrophobia, suspected to be pregnant, or have metal implants). 

You will receive a $50 gift card after the lab session, and a $25 gift card after the MRI scan as a thank you for participating. You will also have contributed to research by providing valuable information to improve the diagnosis, treatment or care of people with traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease in the future. By understanding the factors that predict who is at risk of experiencing lasting difficulties following TBI, or who might go on to develop Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions, we may be able to better tailor care for individuals after receiving an injury. 

What are the contact details if someone would like more information?

Complete an expression of interest , after which a member of the study team will get in touch. FIND-TBI Team Cognition, Ageing & Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory (CANDL) Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE North Terrace Campus | Adelaide SA 5005 T:  +61 8 8313 4352   E:  [email protected] W:  https://borrowmybrain.org/tbi

Researcher Profiles

Find a researcher

Dr Erin Brazel

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD.

Dr David Jaud

Siobhan Evans

Orvila Sarker

Marcellinus Utomo

Dr Ashley Whitehorn

Benjamin Young

David Shirley

Dr Moustafa Mabrouk

Charity Chidzanga

Ms Lauren Mead

Dr Ania Kotarba

Tasmyn Lynch

Ms Mst Habiba

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University Scholarships

Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships

The Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships have been created to provide undergraduate students with experience working within a research team and to encourage them to consider postgraduate study leading to a career involving research.

Up to 240 Summer Research Scholarships are available to continuing undergraduate students who wish to undertake a six week research project at the University of Adelaide over the 2024-25 summer vacation.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

At the time of application you must:

• Be an Australian Citizen, permanent resident of Australia, New Zealand Citizen, holder of a permanent humanitarian visa or an international student who  is currently studying in Australia and holds a current appropriate visa permitting study in Australia beyond February 2025
• Be studying an undergraduate (Bachelors) level program (equivalent programs of study are not eligible)
• Have completed at least one year (24 units) of their program at a standard acceptable for admission to an Honours program  
• Be enrolled in 2024
• Not have completed your Bachelors degree
• Be available to undertake the summer research project on campus

Students who are in receipt of, or expect to receive any other summer or vacation scholarships over the 2024-25 summer vacation (e.g. National Heart Foundation Summer Scholarship, Cancer Council Vacation scholarships) are not eligible for the Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship unless the other scholarship is for a separate research project.

The Scholarship must be taken up in the year in which it is offered; acceptance of the Scholarship offer cannot be deferred. If a student declines the Scholarship offer, the Scholarship will be offered to the next eligible student.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To submit an application you must:

• Contact a potential supervisor to ensure an appropriate research project is available
• Complete a Research Project and Supervisor Form (available to download in the application form)
• Obtain your Supervisor signature on the Research Project and Supervisor Form
• Submit your application ONLINE by the closing date

To find a project and supervisor, please select your Faculty below: Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology

Or visit the Researcher Profiles website .

Students can only submit ONE online application for ONE project. 

Students who are enrolled to study at another University can apply for the Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship but must contact the Coursework Scholarships & Prizes Office via email [email protected]  

The Coursework Scholarships & Prizes Office will notify students of the outcome of their application by late November 2024.

For more information, please see the scholarship rules . Please note only completed applications will be considered. Please ensure the supervisor has signed the Research Project and Supervisor form before attaching to your application. The signature MUST be digital, electronic or scanned. Typed names/signatures will NOT be accepted.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR WITH ENOUGH TIME FOR THE FORM TO BE COMPLETED, SIGNED AND SUBMITTED BY THE DUE DATE OF 5PM FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2024.

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Research Career Opportunities

Looking for a stimulating environment to continue your research? Choose the University of Adelaide.

• Ramsay Fellowships
• Future Fellowships
• Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards

In response to a generous donation from the Ramsay family, we support applications from outstanding researchers to conduct full-time research within the faculty.

The Ramsay Fellowship aims to:

• Advance knowledge and fundamental research in the natural sciences.
• Encourage general increase in research excellence.
• Increase research opportunities at the University of Adelaide.
• Provide opportunities for outstanding young Australian scientists and to enhance their potential as future scientific leaders.

The  Ramsay Fellowship was established in 2008  with a significant bequest from the Ramsay family. The Ramsay family were founders of the Kiwi Polish Company (later Kiwi International), the famous shoe polish manufacturers. Hamish Ramsay fulfilled his late stepmother's wish to help advance scientific research by pledging funds for four-year Ramsay Fellowships.

Applications for the Ramsay Fellowship are normally open at the start of each year via the  University's employment website .

We encourage  mid-career scientists  who wish to join us to progress their research career, to apply for an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship.

We're looking for researchers who aspire to join our scientific disciplines and help us  make history . We offer a competitive package to support you in establishing your research career with us.

What is an ARC Future Fellowship?

An ARC Future Fellowship is a four-year fellowship that gives outstanding mid-career researchers (MCRs) an incentive to continue their high-quality research in Australia.

It is the flagship fellowship scheme for MCRs and is a prestigious accolade to advance your research and career.

The award is the Australian equivalent of the various international postdoctoral fellowships, such as those administered through the UK Research Councils and US National Institute of Health.

The scheme provides focused support for researchers who have completed a PhD between five and 15 years ago. 

The objectives of the Future Fellowships scheme are to:

• support excellent basic and applied research and research training by outstanding mid-career researchers to be recruited and retained by universities in continuing academic positions;
• support national and international research collaboration; and
• enhance the scale and focus of research in Australian Government priority areas.

Want to continue your research at the University of Adelaide? We’ll support you and your Future Fellowship application, if you have: 

• A record of high-quality research outputs appropriate to your discipline; 
• Experience in research training, mentoring and supervision;
• Evidence of your leadership capability and national research standing; and
• Capability to build collaborations across research organisations, industry and other disciplines both within Australia and internationally.

About Future Fellowships   Grant guidelines

Why should I come to the University of Adelaide?

Sciences at the University of Adelaide is a synergy of twelve research intensive schools; thriving research centres and groups; and strong cross-institutional collaborations.

Our world-renowned scientists are critical thinkers and experts in their fields. Our researchers link with experts in industry, government and international institutions to solve real-world problems. They are driven by a passion to find answers, and to discover new ways to make our world a smarter, safer and a more sustainable place.

From understanding disease and tackling environmental challenges, to advancing technology and mapping distant galaxies; our teaching is informed by our cutting-edge research.

Our campuses are home to a number of co-located industry partners, affiliated researchers and research institutes of international significance. This close proximity offers a unique opportunity for our students to gain practical and theoretical knowledge through dynamic national and international research projects.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity and is family-friendly; consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery.

We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

How we can help with your application?

The University and SET Faculty offers support programs such as workshops, information sessions and pitch panel sessions to prepare you for your application.

We also support a limited number of applicants by providing funding for external reviews of your application.

It’s vital that you approach a current researcher at the University of Adelaide who will support your application. This person will assist by submitting the required internal forms such as the Notification of Intent (NOI) and the Research Funding Request (RFR).

Application workshops / clinics

Resources and key dates

Research Services and the faculty have created series of resources and guides to assist you with your application.

Key contact

If you've looked through the resources and have any questions, feel free to contact  Research Services  via  [email protected]  or [email protected]

We're looking for  early career researchers  who aspire join our scientific disciplines and help us  make history . We offer a competitive package to support you in establishing your research career with us.

What is a DECRA?

An Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) supports new early career research projects.

It is the flagship fellowship scheme for early career researchers (ECRs) and is a prestigious accolade to advance your research and build your career pathway.

The award is the Australian equivalent of the various international postdoctoral fellowships, such as the Marie Curie Fellowship; the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (STFC); or the Life Sciences Research Foundation Fellowship.

The scheme provides focused support for researchers in both teaching and research, and research-only positions.

The objectives of the DECRA scheme are to:

• Support excellent basic and applied research by early career researchers
• Advance promising early career researchers and promote enhanced opportunities for diverse career pathways
• Enable research and research training in high quality and supportive environments
• Expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability
• Enhance the scale and focus of research in the Science and Research Priorities

Researchers who have been awarded a PhD within five years, or, awarded a PhD within nine years and commensurate with a period of significant career interruption may be eligible to apply.

About DECRA   Grant guidelines

Science, Engineering and Technology faculty at the University of Adelaide is a synergy of twelve research intensive schools; thriving research centres and groups; and strong cross-institutional collaborations.

The University and SET faculty offers support programs such as workshops, information sessions and pitch panel sessions to prepare you for your application.

If you've looked through the resources and have any questions, feel free to contact  Research Services  via  [email protected]  or  [email protected] . 

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Research Project B Pathway

Year 12 entry.

The Research Project provides a valuable opportunity for SACE students to develop and demonstrate skills essential for learning and living in a changing world. You develop vital planning, research, synthesis, evaluation, and project management skills which we recognise as being important in equipping you for success in higher education study.

If you have strong results in the Research Project B subject you will be considered for entry into Flinders on your Year 12 results (60% weighting toward the ATAR score), and Research Project B performance (40%).

If the combined score does not result in an enhanced selection rank, you will compete in the normal way.

Does Research Project B pathway apply to your preferred course?

The Research Project B pathway can be used for admission to the majority of courses offered at Flinders.

^ additional requirements apply such as subject pre-requisites, Teacher Capability Statement, portfolio, audition/interview, UCAT or English language requirements. You will need to satisfy these requirements as part of the application process.

Are you eligible?

You are eligible for the Research Project B pathway if you are:

• applying for a Flinders course starting next year AND
• currently enrolled in Year 12/13.

How to access this pathway?

You do not need to apply to be considered for this pathway. Your new selection rank will be calculated automatically on your SATAC application.

If successful, you will be made an offer via SATAC.

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CHEK Project Consortium at the University of Brescia

On September 11th and 12th, 2024, the DICATAM Department of the University of Brescia hosted the Consortium Meeting of the Horizon Europe project  CHEK – Change toolkit for digital building permit . (Grant Agreement N. 101058559).  

This research project is part of Cluster 4 of the European Union's Strategic Research and Innovation Plan for 2021-2024 and was funded by the Twin Green and Digital Transition 2021 call (HORIZON-CL4-2021-TWIN-TRANSITION-01). Its objective is to develop technologies and processes for the digitalization of the construction sector. In this context, the project focuses on the digitalization of the building permit issuance process through the adoption and integration of building-scale (Building Information Modelling – BIM) and territorial-scale (3D City Modelling): the so-called GeoBIM. The project, funded with a total of €5,000,000, of which €390,000 was allocated to the University of Brescia, is coordinated by TU Delft (University of Technology) and has a duration of three years, starting in October 2022. T he scientific responsibility for the project at the University of Brescia lies with Prof. Angelo L.C. Ciribini, Full Professor of Production and Management of the Built Environment, who, together with Dr. Ing. Silvia Mastrolembo Ventura, a Researcher in the same scientific-disciplinary field , is part of the project's Executive Board and serves as leader for the Work Package Information requirements for the DBP (Digital Building Permit) use case. Nineteen partners from twelve European countries gathered in Brescia to collaborate in two intensive days of workshops and in-person discussions. It was a significant moment for the development of the research as the project enters its third and final year. The demonstrative and validation phase of the developed solutions is now beginning.

Five-year partnership to boost foundational AI research in Australia

Pictured at the launch are (l-r) Sabina L Streatfeild, Manager, Technology Skills Pipeline & Strategy, CBA; Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Adelaide; Brendan Hopper, Chief Information Officer for Technology, CBA; Professor Simon Lucey, Director, AIML, University of Adelaide; The Hon. Tung Ngo MLC representing the Premier and Professor Laura Parry, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Excellence), University of Adelaide.

Today, Wednesday, 18 September the University of Adelaide has announced a new strategic partnership with the Commonwealth Bank and the creation of the CommBank Centre for Foundational AI to advance research and bolster Australia’s AI capability.

The five-year partnership will further enhance the research and education offerings of the University’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML).

The Centre aims to keep Australia at the forefront of foundational machine learning and AI innovation, creating a competitive edge in harnessing AI technology. The partnership will foster foundational research into new machine learning methods and techniques and explore real-world applications in finance and other industries. For CommBank, this research could unlock further improvements to fraud detection to keep customers' money and data safe, while identifying new ways to create personalised and secure banking experiences.

"Our researchers from the University’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning will work with experts from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to apply the latest techniques in artificial intelligence." Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), University of Adelaide

Key objectives of the partnership include:

• Attracting top AI talent to Australia: Leading AI researchers will be recruited to the centre and CBA through hybrid appointments, which will combine academic rigor with industry relevance.
• Research and publications: Generating high-impact research publications and sharing findings that will contribute to the global body of knowledge in AI.
• Industry-academia collaboration: Facilitating knowledge transfer through internships, workshops, and seminars, promoting a symbiotic relationship between industry needs and academic research.
• Building AI capability in Australia: Foundational researchers are at the heart of any connected tech and innovation ecosystem.

The new CommBank Centre for Foundational AI will be located at Lot Fourteen innovation district, North Terrace.

The following statements have been provided regarding the new partnership:

Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), University of Adelaide

“The University of Adelaide prides itself in conducting excellent and impactful world-class research in many areas that tackle society’s challenges.

“Our researchers from the University’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning will work with experts from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to apply the latest techniques in artificial intelligence.

“Their work will be of direct benefit to people’s lives by improving financial systems.”

Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Adelaide

“The University of Adelaide is excited to be extending its long-running relationship with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

“Collaborating with industry and business is one of the cornerstones of the University’s strategy to enrich academic and professional opportunities.

“Our shared commitment will have a positive impact for the global community.”

Brendan Hopper, Distinguished Engineer and Chief Information Officer for Technology, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

“We’re looking forward to working closely with some of the most creative thinkers at the University’s Australian Institute of Machine Learning.

“We’re proud to partner with the University of Adelaide to invest in research that will help attract amazing tech talent and enhance Australia’s global influence in AI, while driving innovation through research to create even safer and more personalised experiences for our customers.

“This partnership will bolster Australia’s AI capability through investments in the talent and infrastructure required to ensure Australia is ready to take leadership in foundational AI research.

“I’m particularly excited about the foundational research the centre will produce and its potential to have a global impact in AI.”

Professor Simon Lucey, Director, Australian Institute for Machine Learning, The University of Adelaide

"AI is already in our everyday lives, but the fundamental principles of AI are still shrouded in mystery. This lack of understanding will continue to hinder Australia's development, voice, and impact in the AI space unless we invest in innovative, research-intensive initiatives such as the CommBank Centre for Foundational AI.

“Investing in the foundational aspects of AI is essential for addressing key national challenges surrounding bias, trust, and efficiency. By focusing on these core areas, we can ensure that AI systems maximise their potential benefits for Australia’s economy and society.

“The CommBank Centre for Foundational AI will serve as a magnet for top-tier global AI talent, drawing experts and innovators to Australia.”

Media Contacts:

Crispin Savage , Manager, News and Media, The University of Adelaide. Mobile: +61 (0)481 912 465, Email: [email protected]

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