TWO researchers from The University of Western Australia have had their work recognised as being among the top 10 medical research projects in Australia.

Professor Peter Eastwood, from UWA’s School of Anatomy and Human Biology, and Research Professor Karin Eidne from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, were included in the National Health and Medical Research Council’s 10 of the Best Research Projects 2009.

The NHMRC selected the researchers from 8,000 vital medical projects around the country.

Professor Eastwood, who also works at the WA Sleep Disorders Research Institute at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, won for his research on obstructive sleep apnoea and general anaesthesia, receiving NHMRC funding of $444,500 over five years from 2004.

His research has identified people at risk of upper airway collapse during sleep and anaesthesia as well as better understanding the role of posture in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Professor Eastwood’s research offers relief as well as health savings to the 24 per cent of Australian adults suffering from sleep apnoea, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions.

Professor Eidne was awarded for her work focusing on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) – proteins that enable the body's cells to respond to particular hormones and are the target of nearly half of all modern pharmaceuticals.

Her project examined GPCRs involved in appetite and energy regulation, blood circulation, metabolism and addiction.  The NHMRC invested $685,500 in the research over five years from 2002.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson congratulated Professor Eastwood and Professor Eidne for their outstanding achievement.

“Their projects clearly demonstrate the benefits of investing in the future through education and research,” Professor Robson said.

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