WIMR’s Dr Caitlin Finney awarded The Paul and Valeria Ainsworth Precision Medicine Research Fellowship

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is delighted to announce the winner of The Paul and Valeria Ainsworth Precision Medicine Research Fellowship.

Congratulations to Dr Caitlin Finney, head of the Neurodegeneration and Disease Modeling Lab in WIMR’s Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research.

The Paul and Valeria Ainsworth Precision Medicine Research Fellowship supports the advancement of early to mid-career researchers at WIMR, and WIMR’s Precision Medicine initiative. 

The Fellowship is awarded to one high achieving early or mid-career researcher whose work represents an innovative approach to their discipline, using Precision Medicine, where the potential for translational outcomes are significant. It is expected that the Fellowship will help provide preliminary data and track record, allowing the winner to successfully apply for a larger grant from an independent granting body, such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) or Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Professor Philip O’Connell, WIMR’s Executive Director and Chair of The Paul and Valeria Ainsworth Precision Medicine Research Fellowship selection panel, says that the calibre of applications was very high.

“The panel and I were very impressed with the applications received from within WIMR and beyond. On behalf of the selection panel, I’d like to thank all those researchers who took the time and effort to apply.”

About the research

The Neurodegeneration and Disease Modelling Lab at WIMR, led by Dr Caitlin Finney, focuses on developing a better understanding of the causes of neurodegenerative diseases, how to diagnose them, and how to best treat them using precision medicine strategies.

Dr Finney explains, “We have four primary research areas, focusing on genetics, diagnostics, in vitro model development and omics. 

“Our work in genetics explores the biological mechanisms and underlying risk variants associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

The team is also using machine learning and AI technologies to help improve diagnostic capabilities and accuracy.

“We are using in vitro model development to develop more accurate laboratory models of neurodegenerative disease using patient-derived stem cells to improve how our preclinical research can be translated into the clinic. 

“Finally, we are leveraging omics technologies and machine learning methods to identify biological mechanisms and treatment targets.

“Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people and place a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. While there is a significant global effort to improve prevention, early diagnosis and precision medicine-based treatment options, there is still a long way to go. While advances are being made, the major hurdle in Australia and around the world is resources.

“There are many passionate, experienced, and smart researchers looking at neurodegenerative diseases. We just need the support to find the answers so many people, their families and loved ones so urgently need.

“This is why The Paul and Valeria Ainsworth Precision Medicine Research Fellowship is so vital.  I cannot overstate the impact this funding will have on our research. I am extremely grateful to have been selected, and I sincerely thank Paul and Valeria Ainsworth for their vision and support.”