The School of Biomedical Sciences has a focus on applied research, with a mission to solve real-world problems for industry and the community. The School encompasses seven major programs:
- Bone Biology Program
- Ghrelin Research Group
- Hormone Dependent Cancer Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience Program
- Ocular Cell Biology Program
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Much of the research around Tissue Repair and Regeneration 
, Infectious Diseases and Hormone Dependent Cancer is carried out within the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Information on many of the other research programs are below:
Bone Biology Program
- Bone Metastasis Research: Investigating the mechanism through which breast and prostate cancer cells differentially form osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions, respectively, in bone. Cancer cells are introduced into the tibia of immunosuppressed mice; histomorphometric analysis is undertaken to determine bone architectural and cellular changes.
- Fracture Healing Research: Development of a novel, standardised murine fracture and fixation model to study the role of the mechanical environment on bone fracture healing. Femoral osteotomies are stabilised by rigid or flexible fixation plates; callus formation and tissue differentiation is evaluated using histological analysis and 3D computer remodelling.
Group Leader: Dr Laura Gregory (l.gregory@qut.edu.au / +61 7 3138 1281)
Ghrelin Research Group
Group Leader: Associate Professor Lisa Chopin (l.chopin@qut.edu.au / +61 7 3138 6189)
Neuroscience Program
- Structure and function of neurones involved in pain.
- Expression of cell-surface carbohydrates by sensory neurones.
- The detection of nociceptive stimuli by elasmobranch fish.
Group Leader: Dr Mark Plenderleith (m.plenderleith@qut.edu.au / +61 7 3138 1477)
Ocular Cell Biology Program
- How to grow corneal and retinal tissue for transplantation using stem cells and novel biomaterials? Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of severe corneal disorders by using tissue transplants grown in the laboratory from a patient’s own stem cells. Our team completed the first Australian clinical trial of this technique in 2001 and is currently investigating ways to improve clinical outcomes through incorporation of further cell types and a fibrous protein extracted from silk-worm silk known as fibroin. Similar strategies are also being explored for treatment of retinal diseases.
- How does a pterygium form and how can we stop it recurring? Pterygium is a common disorder related to UV-light exposure and is characterised by development of a triangular-shaped growth of abnormal tissue across the surface of the eye. These growths commonly become inflamed and eventually require surgical removal in order to maintain clear vision. Historically, pterygia display a high rate of recurrence, but our surgical colleagues have developed new approaches with significantly improved outcomes. By studying the structure of the tissue removed during surgery we hope to learn more about how a pterygium forms and why certain treatments work better than others.
- How does the cornea stay clear? Maintenance of a clear cornea is obviously essential for vision. Our aim is therefore to investigate the mechanisms that prevent the adjacent non-transparent sclera and conjunctiva tissue from encroaching upon the cornea. Our present hypothesis is based upon a role for molecular sign-posts distributed along the tissue boundary.
Group Leader: Associate Professor Damien Harkin (d.harkin@qut.edu.au / +61 7 3138 9255)
Infectious Diseases, Arbovirology Program
The focus of the program is to develop vaccines against arboviral diseases of humans and to undertake the fundamental scientific research that will underpin the strategies for the use of these vaccines.
- Vaccines under development include:
- Ross River virus: vaccine in clinical trial.
- Acambis/Sanofi Pasteur Japanese encephalitis virus: clinical trial of vaccine completed in collaboration with the Australian Army Malaria Institute and an application for registration has been filed.
- Dengue virus: Clinical trial of a vaccine under negotiation (again with the Australian Army Malaria Institute).
- Basic science:
- Molecular epidemiology of dengue viruses.
- Population dynamics of dengue and Ross River viruses.
Group Leader: Associate Professor John Aaskov (j.aaskov@qut.edu.au / +61 7 3138 6193)