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Cystic fibrosis research rewarded

13 July 2005

Two Monash PhD researchers have been recognised for their work into cystic fibrosis, receiving inaugural state and national research awards.

Dietitian Ms Susannah King (pictured) has been awarded the inaugural Cystic Fibrosis Victoria Research Award for PhD students, and Dr Alan Young has been awarded the Cystic Fibrosis Australia PhD Studentship Grant.

The students, who are based at The Alfred hospital and are undertaking their PhDs in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, received $5000 as part of their awards, which are intended to support research aimed at improving the lives of people with cystic fibrosis.

Ms King is investigating the factors contributing to the development of malnutrition and the impact of gastrointestinal disorders on diet and nutritional status, under the supervision of Associate Professor John Wilson and Ms Ibolya Nyulasi.

She has been invited to speak at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference later this year in Baltimore, US.

Dr Young, a part-time consultant physician, is studying the influence of ventilation and sleep on the quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis. His supervisors are Associate Professor Matthew Naughton and Associate Professor John Wilson.

Ms King said cystic fibrosis was the most common life-threatening genetic condition in Caucasian populations, affecting about 3000 Australians.

"The major manifestations of the condition are chronic lung disease and malnutrition," she said.

"Despite significant advances in the understanding and treatment of CF, there is as yet no known cure.

"The support of research by the CF community and organisations such as Cystic Fibrosis Australia and Cystic Fibrosis Victoria is invaluable," Ms King said.