Available projects in a sub-area
Drug Discovery Biology
Applications are now open for the scholarships listed in the tables below.
| Deep learning approaches to G protein-coupled estrogen receptor targeted drug discovery | |||
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| Code | Start date | Value | Contact |
| 3675 | 1 February 2027 | $1000 ($250 x 4 weeks) |
Dr Anh Nguyen Email: anh.tn.nguyen@monash.edu |
| Additional details Dementia, affecting 57 million people globally in 2019 with estimates rising to ~150 million by 2050, is particularly prevalent in women. Postmenopausal hypertensive women undergo the fastest brain health decline, potentially due to reduced G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) signalling from lower postmenopausal estrogen levels. While GPER activation could combat dementia, current GPER agonists often suffer from poor selectivity and solubility, stressing the need for new, targeted treatments. This project aims to leverage artificial intelligence and computational biology to discover novel selective GPER agonists. Aim 1. Reveal atomic mechanisms of GPER selective agonism through deep learning approaches. Aim 1.1. To predict GPER networks using AI-based deep learning approaches applied to GaMD simulations. Aim 1.2. Pharmacological evaluation of predicted selectivity networks. Aim 2. Design a novel selective GPER agonist. Aim 3. Evaluate the efficacy of GPER agonists to reduce dementia-like changes in vivo. |
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| Applications The deadline for applications is Friday, 28 August 2026 (5pm) |
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| Decoding Endogenous Repair Mechanisms in Pulmonary Hypertension | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Start date | Value | Contact |
| 3919 | 23 November 2026 (negotiable) | $1500 ($250 x 6 weeks) |
A/Prof Chengxue Helena Qin Email: helena.qin@monash.edu Research profile: A/Prof Chengxue Helena Qin |
| Prerequisites Pharmacology |
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| Additional details Pulmonary hypertension is driven by persistent inflammation and damage to the lung blood vessels. We are uncovering the molecular mechanisms that switch inflammation from injury to repair, with the goal of identifying new biological pathways that could transform future treatment of this disease. Please note, project duration is flexible, pending discussion with the supervisor during the selection process. |
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| Applications The deadline for applications is Friday, 28 August 2026 (5pm) |
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