Parasite expert wins coveted Fulbright Senior Scholarship
Dr Robin B. Gasser, Professor in Parasitology and Associate Dean International - receiver of a Fulbright Senior Scholarship 2008
Press release
25 March 2008
Dr Robin B. Gasser, Professor in Parasitology and Associate Dean International, at the Faculty of Veterinary Science has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Senior Scholarship.
He is one of four talented Australians to be recognised as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in 2008. The award will enable him to visit a number of institutions in the USA, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech, Pasadena) and the Genome Sequencing Center (Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis), to research aspects of parasite genomics.
Parasites cause devastating diseases in humans and animals worldwide. The control of economically important parasites has relied heavily on the use of chemical compounds (anti-parasitic drugs). The excessive and uncontrolled use of these compounds has led to significant drug resistance problems, so that many treatments are no longer effective. New and improved methods of treatment, diagnosis and control are needed.
Robin’s research, ‘Parasite genomics: toward new intervention strategies’, will utilise advanced technologies and concepts to gain improved insights into the molecular biology of parasites and their interactions with their hosts.
“We will work toward developing novel intervention strategies for parasites using cutting-edge advances in genomics and bioinformatics,” said Professor Gasser. “The project will provide a unique technology platform and a skills base in parasite genomics and will generate significant fundamental research results, leading to applied and biotechnological outcomes, such as the development of drugsand diagnostic tools.”
Parasites affect billions of humans and animals worldwide. For example, the morbidity from parasitic nematodes (worms) is substantial and surpasses diabetes and lung cancer in disability adjusted life years (DALY). Billions of dollars are also lost annually in the agricultural sectors due to the impact of parasitic diseases in animals and plants.
“The long-term prospects and opportunities of my research include the development of diagnostic tests and/or anti-parasitic compounds, based on a better understanding of parasite genomes, host-parasite relationships and the molecular biology of the parasites themselves. Hence, there are substantial gains to be made by improving our knowledge of such neglected pathogens.”
Professor Gasser said he had chosen to further his research in the USA to be able to access new technologies, skills and know-how: “While considerable expertise in infectious diseases exists in Australia, there is limited investment in cutting-edge genomic technologies and model systems which allow exciting fundamental investigations and biotechnological outcomes.”
The 2008 Scholars were announced on Thursday 13 March at the annual Fulbright Presentation Dinner at Winthrop Hall at the University of Western Australia by Australian-American Fulbright Commission Executive Director, Mr Mark Darby. Mr Darby commented: “The 2008 successful scholars truly demonstrate the breadth and diversity in research amongst Australia’s brightest.”
More information about the Fulbright program can be viewed at www.fulbright.com.au
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au