Gilead Sciences Australia today announced the first ever Australian-based researcher to receive funding via its international award program. Dr Evelyne Deplazes from The University of Queensland (UQ) has been awarded the multi-year research funding through the 2021 Gilead Sciences Research Scholars Program in anti-fungals.
The Gilead Sciences Research Scholars Programs aim to support innovative research from emerging investigators around the world to advance scientific knowledge in areas of unmet medical need and improve the lives of patients everywhere. Through the programs, Gilead provides financial support to emerging investigators for a two-year period.
Dr Deplazes is part of a pioneering, cross-discipline collaboration investigating the synergy between a peptide recently discovered by a team at the University of Sydney and invasive fungal infection treatment. Invasive fungal infections, which can affect a number of organs, often impact immunocompromised people who may not tolerate treatment as well. The team’s research focuses on how a newly discovered peptide might be used to develop an adjuvant therapy to reduce side effects from current anti-fungal treatments.
The research combines Dr Deplazes’ expertise in membrane biophysics, biomolecular simulations and peptide-based drug design with University of Sydney Professor Dee Carter’s extensive experience in anti-fungal drug development.
Commenting on successfully securing this scholarship, Dr Deplazes credited out of the box thinking. “Not having extensive expertise in fungi, I was initially reluctant to apply in this category. However, our team saw that our unique, interdisciplinary approach and fresh perspectives brought to this area could work to our benefit. And I am grateful to Prof Carter for supporting me and for having an open mind on how our membrane biophysics approach could assist in understanding how the synergy of this peptide works.”
Dr Deplazes said the Gilead scholarship provided a unique funding opportunity for her research since it is aimed at emerging, mid-career investigators independent of whether they bring experience in an area of the program. “I think Gilead is really making a difference with these programs. I wish more funding bodies would be supportive of such cross-discipline approaches that allow emerging investigators to bring new ideas and approaches to a problem and combine it with the expertise of an established researcher in the field.”
Dr Andrew Weekes, Senior Director, Medical Affairs at Gilead Australia and New Zealand said: “As a company founded by scientists, research remains at our core. Today, Gilead is one of the top 10 investors in clinical trials in Australia and we are committed to improving the lives of the people we treat through further Australian research.”
He added: “We know that Australia produces some of the best research in world and so we are proud to see Dr Deplazes’ project recognised as part of global Gilead program. We look forward to seeing more applications from emerging investigators across Australia in 2022.”
Applications for the Gilead Research Scholars Programs are now open in hematologic malignancies, solid tumours and liver disease. The following programs are currently accepting applications:
- Hematologic Malignancies: applications close 21st March 2022
- Solid Tumours program: applications close 1st May 2022
- Liver Disease program: applications close 1st May 2022
Visit https://researchscholars.gilead.com/ to learn more.
Since 2015, Gilead has funded more than $8m of Australia and New Zealand-led medical education and independent scientific research. In Australia, Gilead also invests in the Gilead Australia Fellowship Research Grants Program, as well as in investigator sponsored research and local community grants.
