The University of Queensland and industry partner Boehringer Ingelheim International have received $1.575 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) to investigate chronic pain relief.
The three-year project is led by Professor Maree Smith from the UQ Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development and includes Professor Richard Lewis from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
The project seeks innovative methods for selecting novel compounds with high potential for development as drugs for improving the relief of chronic pain.
The research will develop technology that can be used in the development of new pain-killers that are highly effective without producing unpleasant side-effects.
UQ attracted 18 grants valued at $6,352,239 in the latest round of ARC Linkage Project grants, announced today by Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans.
UQ received the highest amount of funding awarded by the Federal Government, and accomplished a 45 per cent success rate compared to the national average of 36.7 per cent.
Industry partners will contribute more than $12 million to the collaborative research projects starting at UQ this year.
UQ's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Alan Lawson thanked the Federal Government and research partners for their support and said UQ's strong connections with end-users ensured that its research continues to benefit society.
“Research and engagement are two of UQ's three strategic priorities, and their integration in Linkage projects ensures UQ research is in close contact with current global challenges,” Professor Lawson said.
“The ARC Linkage Project grants announced today will support many important and exciting areas of research in partnership with key companies and collaborating organisations.”
Media contact:
Jan King, UQ Communications - 0413 601 248