Background
Tropical regions have traditionally faced significant health challenges due to infectious diseases. However, with shifting disease patterns, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes are becoming increasingly prevalent, largely driven by lifestyle changes, including rising sugar consumption.
While genomic and multiomic technologies offer transformative opportunities for precision medicine, many tropical communities remain underrepresented in genomic research. Addressing this gap is crucial for ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge healthcare innovations.
Aim
This project aims to review, evaluate, and develop data-driven strategies for integrating genomic science into precision medicine initiatives for tropical communities. Candidates will have the flexibility to focus on a specific disease of interest or explore multiple diseases within this framework, gaining valuable expertise in disease biology, genomic data analysis, and translational research.
Approach
The project will involve a comprehensive literature review of genomic and precision medicine applications in tropical health, as well as an analysis of existing genetic, omics, and biomarker data to assess their relevance for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Candidates will also have the opportunity to develop innovative data solutions to address unmet clinical and research needs. For those interested in policy and implementation science, there will be an option to engage with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and policymakers, to identify barriers and opportunities for integrating genomic medicine into existing healthcare systems. Findings from this research will inform the development of strategic recommendations, tools, or frameworks to enhance genomic research and precision health initiatives in tropical regions.
Project Potential
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global health equity by advancing precision medicine in underrepresented populations while building research and technical capacity for genomic innovation in communities with a limited research footprint.
Through collaborations with leading tropical health researchers facilitated through the Don McManus Tropical Health Research Centre, the candidate will gain hands-on experience in genomic research, multiomics integration, translational science, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, this work will support the development of data-driven strategies to strengthen healthcare systems in low- and middle-income tropical countries (LMICs), fostering sustainable and impactful genomic research efforts.