Understanding and preventing disease

Research underpins our knowledge of disease. Understanding history, sociology, ethics, biology, chemistry and physics is critical to the management and prevention of disease.

La Trobe researchers work in partnership with bioscience institutes, health providers, industry and government to make discoveries in fundamental sciences that improve diagnostics, therapeutics and clinical outcomes across a range of diseases.

Goal:

Application of discoveries in the fundamental sciences and developments in technology to understand and prevent disease – especially at the intersection of cancer, immunity, cardiovascular and infectious disease research​.

Our priorities are to:

Prevent disease spread

Our researchers prevent disease in humans, animals and plants by focusing on discoveries with potential to lead to new drugs and therapies.

Improve diagnosis and treatment

Our researchers improve treatment outcomes by investigating disease progression and developing new medical diagnostics and disease monitoring solutions.

Understand disease progression

Our researchers mitigate inequity and inform best practice by tracking the history of disease management, international policy and ethical implications.

Our latest research

How chromosomes balance between the sexes

How chromosomes balance between the sexes

La Trobe University and UNSW Sydney researchers have uncovered new understandings of fundamental differences in biological processes between males and females—by interrogating the unique and diverse sex chromosome systems of the platypus and the chicken.

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New tool to reclassify heart risk, reduce attacks

New tool to reclassify heart risk, reduce attacks

Scientists at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and La Trobe University have developed and validated a novel, blood-based risk score based on fats in the blood.

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Placenta cells may lower blood pressure

Placenta cells may lower blood pressure

Scientists from La Trobe University and the Hudson Institute have demonstrated that cells from placentas could have therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from high blood pressure.

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Combatting infant genetic disorders

Combatting infant genetic disorders

Examining fruit fly metabolisms could be the key to developing more targeted dietary treatments for newborns affected by a large group of life-threatening genetic disorders, a new study shows.

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New lead in gut health research

New lead in gut health research

La Trobe University researchers have identified a protein that is integral to gut health, providing an important lead in the search for a treatment for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

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BioNTech to establish mRNA facility at La Trobe

BioNTech to establish mRNA facility at La Trobe

La Trobe University will be home to the manufacturing of new investigational mRNA therapies for serious diseases including cancer, with global biotechnology company BioNTech planning to develop and commission a state-of-the-art mRNA clinical-scale manufacturing facility at the University’s Melbourne campus in Bundoora, in an agreement facilitated by the Victorian Government.

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Meet our Theme Lead for Understanding and preventing disease

Photo of Associate Professor Erinna Lee

Research is key to understanding and preventing disease. At La Trobe University, our researchers work collaboratively across disciplines and with various partners to uncover the molecular and genetic mechanisms behind diseases. This knowledge drives innovative solutions for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Within the theme, we strive to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, envisioning a future where healthcare is universally accessible and equitable. Together, we are building the foundation for groundbreaking healthcare advancements.

Associate Professor Erinna Lee
Theme Lead, Understanding and preventing disease

Discover real impact in Understanding and preventing disease

Our Research Centres

The Academic and Research Collaborative in Health (ARCH) is a major, multi-site partnership that links La Trobe with eight major health and social care providers, consumers and the research community. The ARCH promotes close ties between research, workforce training, clinical education, clinical practice, policy development and consumer engagement. Together with our partners we ensure high quality, evidence-based healthcare for Australians, co-produced research, innovative education to build workforce capability and pathways to train our future research leaders.

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