Biomedical researcher receives Ramaciotti Foundation grant

Dr Cenk Suphioglu, together with colleagues Professor Leigh Ackland, Dr Sharon La Fontaine and Professor Julian Mercer from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences’ Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Ramaciotti Foundation.

The Ramaciotti Foundation Grant in Biomedical Research was presented at an awards evening at Darling Harbour in Sydney last month.

Dr Suphioglu’s research is aimed at understanding the molecular properties of major peanut allergens, which will permit the future development of safer and more effective reagents for peanut allergy diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

“Receiving this grant will allow us to contribute towards the purchase of an expensive but fundamental piece of research equipment," Dr Suphioglu said.

“As a result, our research could significantly reduce the economic, physical and emotional burden of this disease on our society.”

The Ramaciotti Foundation is collectively one of the largest private contributors to biomedical research in Australia, providing assistance to areas such as molecular biology, genetics and immunology, totalling $2.5 million in 2009.

It is estimated that in 2007, the economic costs of allergies in Australia were $7.8 billion.

“Allergy can be difficult to manage and can be fatal,” Dr Suphioglu said.

“The focus of my research group is to understand the molecular biology of allergens and effector cells of allergy to identify novel inhibitors of allergy for treatment.

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