Research Success

Eye research part of a bigger picture (PDF File 1.7 MB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Morven Cameron from the School of Medicine has been awarded funding to investigate how the connections between neurons in the retina are altered in response to changes in light levels over the course of the day. This Australian Research Council funded project will extend the existing understanding of retinal physiology, providing an invaluable resource for strategies aimed at restoring vision to those with retinal degeneration.

Gauging a good night’s sleep (PDF File 1.8 MB) (opens in a new window)
Professor Philip de Chazal from the MARCS Institute has been awarded funding to investigate more accurate, less invasive ways of monitoring sleep. By advancing the important field of sleep monitoring, this Australian Research Council project will contribute to better care for people living with sleep issues.

A historical role for grammar (PDF File 2.5 MB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Robert Mailhammer of the School of Humanities and Communication Arts has been awarded funding to investigate how Indigenous languages have shaped Aboriginal English. This Australian Research Council Discovery Project has a particular sense of urgency due to the small number of older speakers who exhibit Indigenous language influences who are healthy enough for the stresses of linguistic work.

The ABC of golf, in an ecofriendly way (PDF File 2.4 MB) (opens in a new window)
Associate Professor Sally Power from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment has been awarded funding to lead a team investigating the environmental value of golf courses within the local landscape. The project, which is supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services (GSLLS) through funding from the Australian Government, will assess levels of biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

It's a thin line between envy and pride (PDF File 1.8 MB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Rebecca Pinkus of the School of Social Sciences and Psychology will lead a team of researchers to investigate how relationships weather the comparisons partners make with each other and with other couples. The project, which is funded by the Australian Research Council, will identify factors that promote healthy relationships - a cornerstone of wellbeing.

What pain does to the body (PDF File 412.1 KB) (opens in a new window)
Professor Vaughan Macefield from the School of Medicine is leading research with Dr Ingvars Birznieks to investigate the physiological changes caused by long-term pain. This project is supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Into the mouths of babes (PDF File 744.2 KB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Ajesh George from the School of Nursing and Midwifery is leading a team to conduct a Sydney-wide trial of dental services initiated by midwives. This National Health and Medical Research Council project will assess an innovative program to improve the oral health of women and babies.

Young and healthy (PDF File 464.8 KB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Ann Dadich, Dr Daniela Spanjaard, Dr Francine Garlin and Dr Nicole Stegemann of the School of Business along with Ms Vanessa Rock, Ms Sofia Potente and Ms Emma Fitzgerald of Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) are implementing a feasibility study of research methods to examine healthy lifestyle choices among young people. This project is funded by UWS and CCNSW.

I say bears, you say beers (PDF File 831.9 KB) (opens in a new window)
Professor Catherine Best and Dr Jason Shaw from the MARCS Institute and the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, and a team of international researchers, are exploring how we recognise spoken words and understand their meaning when their pronunciation varies wildly from one part of the world to another. This project is funded by the Australian Research Council through its Discovery Projects grant scheme.

Adopting new agricultural technologies (PDF File 140.9 KB) (opens in a new window)
Associate Professor Samsul Huda of the School of Science and Health has received funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to undertake research into the reasons why small farmers in Cambodia do not adopt new technologies which could improve their agricultural practices.

Under my skin (PDF File 81.3 KB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Daniela Spanjaard, Dr Ann Dadich, Dr Nicole Stegemann and Ms Francine Garlin from the School of Business are developing a strategic plan to improve sun protection behaviour among youth. This project is funded by Cancer Council NSW.

Switching Partners (PDF File 101.9 KB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Jeff Powell and Professor Ian Anderson of the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, together with Partner Investigator, Professor Matthias Rillig of the Free University of Berlin have been awarded an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant to investigate the beneficial relationships between plants and fungi.

Reducing pain and distress (PDF File 78.4 KB) (opens in a new window)
Dr Kathryn Nicholson Perry of the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, and Associate Professor Federico Girosi of the School of Medicine, along with a team of researchers, are developing an automated psychological screening tool and practical information packages to help prevent chronic pain and trauma following a motor vehicle accident. This research has been funded by the NSW Government through the Motor Accidents Authority.

The New Silk Road (PDF File 86.5 KB) (opens in a new window)
Professors Brett Neilson and Ned Rossiter of the Institute for Culture and Society and the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, with international collaborators, are examining the cultural aspects of business logistics and governance practices. This project is funded by the Australian Research Council through its Discovery Projects grant scheme.

Digital Cities (PDF File 101.0 KB) (opens in a new window)
Professor Donald McNeill of the Institute for Culture and Society is examining the development of "digital cities" – highly developed technological spaces for business and society. This project is funded by the Australian Research Council which has awarded Professor McNeill a prestigious Future Fellowship.