ARC Future Fellowship 2023
Pictured: Professor Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino
Congratulations to Professor Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino for being awarded an ARC Future Fellowship 2023 Round 1.
Prof Kaitu’u-Lino has been awarded $1.110m for research exploring protease inhibitors in placental development and maturation. It is expected to generate new knowledge around whether SPINTS play a fundamental role in disparate animals that independently derived a placenta, suggesting convergent genetic evolution. The project is expected to result in disciplinary collaboration, produce novel models, and promote future projects in many species.
Project summary: The placenta is essential for reproduction in many diverse species. This project aims to elucidate fundamental contributions of protease inhibitors and the proteases they target to placental development and maturation. It is expected to generate new knowledge around whether SPINTS play a fundamental role in disparate animals that independently derived a placenta, suggesting convergent genetic evolution. The project is expected to result in disciplinary collaboration, produce novel models, and promote future projects in many species. The project should result in significant benefits toward advancing knowledge in reproductive biology, have economic and commercial benefits, and further enhance Australia's outstanding reputation in the field.
Prof Kaitu’u-Lino is a renowned expert in her field of Pregnancy Complications. She co-leads the Translational Obstetrics Group at the Mercy and is also currently a MDHS Dame Kate Campbell Fellow and holds a NHRMC Ideas grant, and an ARC Discovery Project.
As Co-Deputy Head of Department, Prof Kaitu’u-Lino has also been extremely busy over the past few months with her work in Chairing the Department’s People Development – Welfare and Community Committee and in designing the Senior Leadership training workshop and leading the ongoing work around our Department Charter of Behaviours. You will also be able to hear Prof Kaitu’u-Lino generously present on her career lowlights at our inaugural Elephant Circle Fireside Chat to be held on Thursday 17th August.
Congratulations Tu’uhe on adding another bow to your cap in such a competitive funding environment and thank you for your ongoing co-leadership of the Department.