Chronic illnesses are common, long-term illnesses that have major social and economic consequences. Over fifty percent of hospitalizations in Australia are due to chronic illnesses and the burden on the healthcare system is significant with US $ 1.1 trillion spent on chronic disease management in the United States alone in 2016. The top ten chronic diseases listed by the Australian Institute of Health and Wellness include arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, disease chronic kidney disease, mental health problems and osteoporosis.

The objective of our theme is to develop a better fundamental and clinical understanding, diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases. A better understanding of the underlying causes and mechanisms of these diseases, as well as the pathological processes that progress and sustain them, is essential for the design of better preventive and therapeutic strategies, including drug treatments and implants.

Our diverse group of academics approach this challenge with a wide range of expertise encompassing molecular, developmental and cellular physiology, genomics, immunology, metabolomics, proteomics, bioengineering as well as physical activity and nutrition. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, we are developing a research pipeline to advance new solutions from discovery to preclinical validation towards better translational results. Thus, our theme aims to develop new approaches to reduce the impact of chronic diseases.

Our theme is supported by outstanding research labs and teaching spaces, including the Charles Perkins Center, Kolling Institute and Westmead.

Our leaders

Associate Professor Steven Wise

Professor Vanessa Hayes