{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101042"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101042","attributes":{"code":"DE260101042","administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-07-01","anticipated-end-date":"2029-06-30","grant-summary":"Better RNA: modified nucleotides for next-generation RNA technologies. This project systematically explores how modified nucleotides enhance RNA stability, potency, and immune evasion across diverse RNA classes beyond messenger RNA. This research addresses critical knowledge gaps in RNA biology essential for the design of next-generation RNA technologies with applications in therapeutics and agriculture. Expected outcomes include comprehensive profiles of modification effects on RNA interference pathways, immune sensing mechanisms, and RNA structures with improved degradation resistance. Benefits include advancing RNA biotechnology, improving agricultural applications, and delivering valuable intellectual property and commercial interests aligned with Australia's growing RNA sector.","funding-current":533927.00,"funding-at-announcement":529690,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Rhys","familyName":"Parry","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-9238-1952 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Rhys","familyName":"Parry","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-9238-1952 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":false,"code":"300103","name":"Agricultural Molecular Engineering of Nucleic Acids and Proteins","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3107","name":"Microbiology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310706","name":"Virology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"320603","name":"Medical Molecular Engineering of Nucleic Acids and Proteins","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280101","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Agricultural, Food and Veterinary Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280102","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biological Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280103","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biomedical and Clinical Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Austria","England"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Australia's RNA Blueprint (2024) identifies RNA technologies as a strategic national priority, potentially contributing $8 billion to Australia's GDP over the next decade. Despite success in mRNA vaccines, the potential of modified RNA across other applications remains largely untapped. This project explores how chemical modifications to RNA molecules can enhance their stability, function and effectiveness across diverse applications. \nThe research will utilise innovative approaches to exploit RNA modifications to create more stable and effective RNA molecules for therapeutics and agriculture. By systematically profiling how modifications affect RNA processing and structure, we will develop new knowledge to improve gene silencing technologies, RNA vaccines, and RNA-based pest control strategies.\nThese advances will strengthen Australia's biotechnology sector by creating intellectual property in RNA design, which bridges vital science with commercial applications and reduces reliance on imported technologies. The knowledge generated will provide a foundation for future commercialisation opportunities, enabling industry development of new RNA-based products that maximise economic returns from Australia's $1.5 billion investment in RNA technologies.\nAdditionally, the project will train students in cutting-edge RNA techniques, address critical skills shortages identified in the Blueprint, and develop Australia's capacity to compete globally in this rapidly expanding field."}}}