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Thursday, 29 November 2007

University of Adelaide researcher Dr Paul Thomas has been awarded $1 million to support his cutting-edge research into the genetic basis of some intellectual disabilities.

Dr Thomas is a developmental geneticist and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Research Fellow within the University's School of Molecular and Biomedical Science.

Dr Thomas has pioneered research into the genetic basis of intellectual disability syndromes using mouse models that help to understand how nerve tissue develops and what can go wrong to cause these syndromes.

He has been awarded a Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship for continued research into novel X-linked genes associated with intellectual disability.

"I am thrilled to receive one of the 2008 Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships, which will enable me and my team to learn more about the complex process of neurodevelopment," says Dr Thomas.

"My hope is that knowledge gained from our novel mouse models may one day lead to new therapies for patients with intellectual disability."

Dr Thomas completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide in 1995 before moving to the National Institute for Medical Research in London to continue his post-doctoral research. He was awarded the NHMRC's Howard Florey Centenary Research Fellowship in 1998, returning to the University of Adelaide in 2006.

His discoveries have been published in leading international scientific journals including Nature Genetics, Current Biology and Development.

The Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships recognise excellence in Australian biomedical researchers and aim to contribute to the development of Australia's high standing among the world's scientific leaders.

Dr Daniel Grant, head of Pfizer Australia's Strategic Alliances Group said: "We are very pleased to be able to support bright young Australian researchers, such as Dr Thomas, by providing the funding needed to ensure they can maintain their research programs in Australia. Pfizer Australia believes that they will make significant contributions to Australian research and, in the long run, may help develop improved therapies for a wide range of diseases."