World-leading University researcher wins NHMRC Australia Fellowship

The winners of the National Health and Medical Research Australia Fellowships were announced by the Hon. Mark Butler, Federal Minster for Mental Health and Ageing, at a dinner in Canberra last week.

Dean of MDHS Professor James Angus said: “I am delighted one of our leading Professors, Ashley Bush, and his team at MHRI have been recognised for their groundbreaking work in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s.

“This prestigious award highlights the importance of our close collaborations in Neuroscience underpinned by outstanding scientific leaders such as Professor Bush.

“I am confident that with the outstanding capital infrastructure and leadership team being assembled, we are now in a strong position to make major inroads in treating this awful neuro-degenerative disease.”

Professor Bush’s research into developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease has won him the $4 million fellowship, which will provide funding for his research for the next five years. 

In particular, it will enable him to continue the clinical testing of a new type of drug designed to treat Alzheimer’s and potentially prevent the progression of age-related cognitive decline. 

He also aims to develop a comprehensive set of diagnostic markers in blood (such as levels of proteins, enzymes, metals) that can be used to objectively monitor the progression of the disease.

The project will also provide useful information in the approach to other age-related brain diseases.

Professor Bush said there is neither a treatment to slow progression of Alzheimer's disease, nor is there a predictive diagnostic test. “When achieved, these two goals would have a major impact on the lives of Australians and the economy of the country,” he said.