Ageing is influenced by genetic, environmental and behavioural factors, as well as other external influences. As we grow older, our bodies undergo changes that affect biological processes and make us increasingly vulnerable to disease.
Researchers at SVI are investigating a range of diseases that affect Australians as they age, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Molecular Cardiology
- Cardiac Regeneration
- Diabetes & Metabolic Disease
- Structural Biology
- Metabolic Signalling
- Bone Cell Biology & Disease
Molecular Cardiology
The Molecular Cardiology Unit researches the commonest causes of death and sickness in our community: heart disease and kidney disease, and lung inflammation as occurs in COVID and other forms of pneumonia.
Lab head: Associate Professor Duncan (Jock) CampbellCardiac Regeneration
As part of the Institute's O'Brien Department we use human stem cells to engineer beating heart tissue on a lab dish to develop effective and translatable treatments for heart disease.
Lab head: Associate Professor Shiang (Max) LimDiabetes & Metabolic Disease
We aim to identify and develop novel therapeutic target for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Lab head: Dr Kim LohStructural Biology
We determine the three-dimensional atomic structures of proteins involved in disease, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. These structures help us to explore protein function, as well as to discover new drugs.
Lab head: Professor Michael ParkerMetabolic Signalling
We investigate how cells maintain their fuel levels to function and grow properly. This knowledge can be used to design better treatments for diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Lab head: Associate Professor Jon OakhillBone Cell Biology & Disease
We study the cells inside the skeleton that control bone strength so we can design better ways of treating bone diseases like osteoporosis.
Lab head: Professor Natalie Sims