WIMR researchers secure more than $10 million in NHMRC Investigator Grant funding

Four researchers from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research have secured more than $10.3 million in National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant funding, supporting major five year research programs across kidney disease, transplantation, spatial omics and liver disease.

The highly competitive grants have been awarded to Associate Professor Qi Cao, Professor David Harris, Associate Professor Ellis Patrick and Professor Mohammed Eslam, with funding commencing in 2027.

NHMRC Investigator Grants provide long term support to outstanding researchers, giving them the flexibility to lead ambitious programs, build collaborations and pursue new opportunities as their work develops.

The four awards reflect the breadth of research underway at WIMR and its focus on advancing discoveries that can ultimately contribute to more precise diagnosis, treatment and care.

Associate Professor Qi Cao: $1.64 million

Development of Chimeric Signalling Switch Receptor for immune cell in kidney diseases

Associate Professor Qi Cao has been awarded $1,636,800 to investigate a new approach to genetically engineering immune cells for the treatment of kidney disease.

The program will explore whether specially engineered immune cells can reduce disease and help lay the foundations for new therapeutic approaches for patients.

Professor David Harris: $3.04 million

Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Kidney Disease and Transplantation

Professor David Harris has received $3,035,320 to advance new treatment strategies for kidney disease and transplantation.

His program will investigate approaches targeting inflammation and fibrosis, with the aim of preserving kidney function and improving outcomes for people with kidney disease and transplant recipients.

Associate Professor Ellis Patrick: $2.84 million

Making Space Count: Methodological Advances for Spatial Omics Analysis

Associate Professor Ellis Patrick has been awarded $2,836,100 to develop new methods for analysing spatial omics data.

The research will help scientists better understand how cells are organised and interact within tissues, strengthening the ability to turn increasingly complex biological data into meaningful insights about disease.

Professor Mohammed Eslam: $2.84 million

A Holistic Genomic Approach for Precision Management and Health Equity in MAFLD

Professor Mohammed Eslam has received $2,836,100 for a major genomic research program focused on fatty liver disease.

The program will investigate genetic factors that help explain why liver disease develops and progresses differently between individuals, with the goal of improving diagnosis, identifying new treatment targets and supporting more precise approaches to care.

Importantly, the research will include populations historically underrepresented in genomic studies, helping ensure the benefits of precision medicine can be shared more broadly.

Supporting research with long term impact

Together, the four Investigator Grants represent a significant investment in WIMR research capability and the Westmead Health Precinct.

Across kidney disease, transplantation, advanced data science and liver disease, the programs will support WIMR researchers to build the knowledge, technologies and evidence needed to move new approaches closer to patients.