Across Australia, facilities supported by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) are enabling research that can improve public health and inform future care. NCRIS connects Australian researchers with the equipment, data, tools and technical expertise they need to deliver world-class research.
Two projects demonstrate this impact in action, showing how data, technology and long-term monitoring are helping researchers better understand health challenges and improved health outcomes for Australians.
Using data to improve endometriosis care
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains difficult to diagnose. To better understand its prevalence, causes and long-term impacts, researchers from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) are linking survey information from around 57,000 women with health data from across Australia through infrastructure supported by NCRIS-funded Data Connect Australia.
According to Director of ALSWH, Professor Gita Mishra, diagnostic delay is one of the many challenges of the disease.
“Despite increased awareness in the last five years, for many women, it may take 7-12 years for a diagnosis,” Professor Mishra said.
The research shows endometriosis is more common than previously recognised. Researchers are investigating how genetics, environmental influences and early-life experiences may contribute to endometriosis.
By uncovering who is affected, identifying risk factors and understanding long-term outcomes, this work will help with earlier diagnosis, improved care and future tools to support clinicians and women living with this often-debilitating condition.
Helping Australians breathe easier through pollen monitoring
Seasonal allergies affect millions of Australians, but new tools are helping people better manage their exposure to pollen.
The Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), funded through NCRIS, has been foundational to the creation of Australia’s first nationwide pollen monitoring network and introduced new technology to map and forecast pollen levels across the country.
Led by Professor Janet Davies from the Queensland University of Technology and Distinguished Professor Alfredo Huete from the University of Technology Sydney, the project involves the investigation of the causes of rising pollen allergen exposure by combining 40 years of satellite data, specialised field-monitoring cameras and pollen traps.
“If we can collect what the satellite sees at pollen traps, we can extend the information outward to cover an entire city, and the nation. We would know, for example, where grass would be seen to be most pronounced, most prolific, and we also know the timing because the satellite keeps track of various properties about the vegetation and how it changes,” Professor Huete said.
The nationwide network and long-term environmental datasets maintained through the NCRIS-enabled Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN) and TERN are providing researchers with an unprecedented understanding of changing pollen exposure across Australia, helping improve forecasting and public health preparedness.
