{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260100002"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260100002","attributes":{"code":"DE260100002","administering-organisation":"The Australian National University","announcement-administering-organisation":"The Australian National University","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Synthetic Technologies to Accelerate Peptide and Protein Production . Chemical synthesis of the 3D structures of peptides and proteins is a formidable challenge due to their susceptibility to shape alterations (misfolding), abolishing their biological function. This project aims to develop new methods to produce correctly folded peptides and proteins, accelerating the use of Australia's abundant natural biomolecules as novel therapeutics, agrochemicals, and biotechnological tools. Expected outcomes include the development of new synthesis tools and strategies that efficiently access complex molecules while reducing waste. This project will provide significant health, manufacturing, and economic benefits to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors by enabling greener and more effective synthetic methods.","funding-current":532865.00,"funding-at-announcement":528646,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Andrew","familyName":"White","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-9481-1079 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Andrew","familyName":"White","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-9481-1079 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The Australian National University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"ACT"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The Australian National University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"ACT"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3404","name":"Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"340401","name":"Biologically Active Molecules","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"340407","name":"Proteins and Peptides","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"340503","name":"Organic Chemical Synthesis","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280102","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biological Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280105","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Chemical Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":[],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This project focuses on advancing the production of natural peptides and proteins, which have significant potential in medicine and agriculture. One of the key challenges being addressed is the difficulty in creating these molecules with the correct three-dimensional structures necessary for their function. In Australia, this research gap is critical, as local industries and healthcare could greatly benefit from improved methods of synthesising these biologically active compounds, increasing our competitiveness in the global market. \n\nThe research holds numerous benefits for Australians across various sectors. Economically, it could drive innovation in therapeutics and eco-friendly pesticides, boosting local industries and job creation. Socially, the increased availability of effective medicines could improve public health outcomes, enhancing the quality of life for Australians. Environmentally, the focus on natural peptides as pesticides offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals, promoting greener agricultural practices. Culturally, this research may foster a greater appreciation for the intersection of science and health, encouraging community engagement in biotechnology. Key findings will be actively disseminated across social media and news outlets to maximise public outreach. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, this project will strengthen Australia’s technological capabilities for broad societal benefit.\n"}}}