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Improving human health is the aim of $11.6 million in new research awarded to the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ today, including a major project to investigate tackling two serious infections with one vaccine.

In total, the University has been awarded nine new grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

A team led by Professor Helen Marshall (Deputy Director and Research Leader, Robinson Research Institute, The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ) and Associate Professor James Ward (Head of SAHMRI’s Sexual Health and Wellbeing program, Aboriginal Health Equity theme) has been awarded more than $1.29 million to investigate the efficacy of a meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) to prevent meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea.

“Working together with our partners and communities in the Northern Territory we have the opportunity to tackle two serious infections with one vaccine,’’ Professor Marshall said.

“As the bacteria causing the two quite different infections are genetically very similar there is good reason as to why the one vaccine may protect against both diseases.

“Prevention of meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection, and gonorrhoea, which is associated with high rates of infertility, provides an exciting opportunity to really make a difference in the health of young people in the NT.�

Associate Professor Ward said: “With great partnerships with communities and health services in the NT, robust science and genuine commitment from researchers, I’m sure that this