SYSTEMS GENETICS TO DETERMINE RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES COMPLICATIONS
Emeritus Professor Grant Morahan, Professor of Diabetes Research, University of Western Australia Centre for Medical Research (affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research), Perth, Australia & Honorary Professor, Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Perth, Australia | December 2025
Professor Morahan invented the term “Systems Genetics” for the science field that examines how genetic variants can affect whole networks of genes and whole systems; there are now several laboratories and institutes of systems genetics around the world. He also developed the next-generation genetic resource, The Gene Mine, the most powerful of its type in the world, used globally in rapid mapping and identification of genes. Collaborators nationally and internationally have tested The Gene Mine for traits and diseases in which they specialise.
As a member of the Steering Committee of the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium, he worked to design the global study recruiting and characterising T1D genetics, which resulted in identification of over 40 T1D risk genes. The culmination of this program, for which Prof Morahan was PI of the Asia-Pacific Network, was published in Nature Genetics (41:703-707) and has been cited 1579 times.
Currently, he is a member of the Steering Committee of the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) Study, the only study in the world investigating T1D families to follow at-risk babies from pregnancy through childhood. Completing recruitment in 2020, the study already has 40 publications.
His latest discovery involves next-generation algorithms that are able to predict whether a person will be genetically high/low risk of developing a number of complex genetic diseases. Professor Morahan is working toward commercialising these genetic tests so they can benefit the public and the healthcare system.
During his career, Prof Morahan has supervised 23 postgraduate students and mentored nine postdoctoral positions. Since 2003, Prof Morahan has applied for and received close to $20 million in research funds, both nationally and internationally. He has 299 academic publications, 17,0744 citations and has an h-index of 60.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8562-7325
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Genetics and Environmental Factors of Glaucoma & Myopia
Professor David Mackey’s original research, over more than 30 years into the genetics of glaucoma and in the fields of optic atrophy and congenital cataract, has received constant professional accolades, attracted ongoing research funding and led to his publication of more than 400 peer-reviewed papers.
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Cancer survivorship and exercise oncology
Professor Sandra Hayes is the Director of Research at Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ), where she leads a comprehensive cancer research program encompassing cancer epidemiology, prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship.
With a BAppSci (Hons) and a PhD in exercise oncology, Professor Hayes’s expertise lies in quantifying the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on physical and psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and survival. She also evaluates innovative supportive care strategies, particularly exercise, to improve post-cancer lives.
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Health impacts of donor milk for pre-term babies
Professor Alice Rumbold is Theme Leader of SAHMRI Women and Kids, managing a multidisciplinary research team focussed on improving health outcomes for women, babies and families. She also holds an affiliate position as a Research Leader within the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide.
An epidemiologist and health services researcher, she is internationally renowned for her leadership of large-scale clinical trials, epidemiological studies and systematic review activities to improve perinatal and reproductive health care. She is passionate about improving health outcomes for women and babies, particularly those experiencing vulnerability. Her current research interests include preterm birth, breastfeeding, human milk banking and infertility
