Aims & Objectives
Interactions between the early environment and the genetic regulatory program of the early embryo have major consequences for the development of organisms. The aim of this Network is to harness the resources of leading researchers from the previously distinct disciplines of developmental biology and developmental physiology to better understand developmental regulatory networks and how environmental factors impinge on them. The formation of such a Network is unique, timely and strategic in that it will generate new insights into the mechanisms by which events in early life determine the risk of adverse outcomes in perinatal and adult life.
Recent landmark studies in molecular genetics, developmental biology, developmental physiology and animal cloning have highlighted the critical importance of environment-gene interactions in early life, such as the epigenetic modification of imprinted genes, the determination of normal development and the genesis of pathology in later life. The Network in Genes and Environment in Development aims to capture the strengths of Australian research in each of the major relevant areas to ensure that the Network is positioned to make a major contribution to the National Priority Goal ensuring 'a healthy start to life'.
The aim of the network is to develop a National Research Capability Plan in "Development" harnessing the resources of leading researchers in epigenetics, developmental biology and developmental physiology to identify:
- The major international research questions which address the role of those interactions between genes and environment which are of critical importance for normal and abnormal development
- The current strengths of Australian research within the separate representative discipline areas
- The opportunities to be realised through collaborative research activity across traditional discipline boundaries
- A research training strategy for generation of world class postgraduates and fellows equipped with relevant skills to meet the new era of development research
- Establish feasibility "Online Database in Development" (ODID)
The Network in Genes and Environment in Development will provide a unique opportunity for Australian researchers to develop new collaborations, partnerships and training opportunities in areas of development research which are targeted to address fundamental questions of international significance and which will yield world class outcomes.
Initiatives: The NGED Health Priority Health Summits
A unique, timely and valuable contribution that the NGED can make to the research community....
In 2008 the NGED has facilitated the gathering together of individuals with a commitment to the biggest public health issues of our time. The major topics addressed are those where there is a clear or perceived interaction of genetics and the environment:
(i) Alcohol in Fetal Development - March 2008 Convenor: Professor John Bertram, Monash University
(ii) The Increase in Susceptibility to Obesity - July 2008 Convenor: Professor Caroline McMillen, UniSA
(iii) Causes of the Alarming Rise in Frequency of Allergies in Children - October 2008 Convenor: Associate Professor Vicki Clifton, University of Adelaide.
Each summit saw the gathering of at least 10 individuals to identify the major research questions and knowledge gaps in their field and how best to address them. The immediate outcome of each summit was the development of a research strategy, also serving as a research policy paper, to assist in lobbying support in each area of research (please click on the relevant summit topic (above) to download).
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