The MeG team build upon an extensive track record in delivery of highly successful research-oriented IT projects across a variety of disciplines. Wherever possible we build directly upon the results of these projects from a software perspective, but more importantly from a software engineering perspective to support the development and rollout of software solutions. We summarise the current portfolio of projects here and some of the previously completed projects involving the MeG staff to give an idea of the depth and breadth of research-oriented IT that we build upon. Many of these projects are for University of Melbourne researchers. This is made possible through an internal grant scheme funded through the Melbourne Collaborative Research Infrastructure Program (MCRIP) program to support a research software-oriented platform: Platform for Research Software Systems (PRESS). Where funding allows, the MeG team work across and support PRESS projects.
ENSAT-HT
Omics-based strategies for improved diagnosis and treatment of endocrine hypertension (ENSAT-HT) is a large European grant ($12m total grant) that has been funded under the Horizon 2020 research initiative across Europe, with monies from PRESS made available through the NHMRC and investments by the University of Melbourne. PRESS are the primary software developers that are tasked with supporting all aspects of the clinical collaboration including the patient databases, the data linkage and sample management systems. This project builds upon the highly successful ENSAT-CANCER project (see below). The project runs to May 2020 and includes a major clinical trial involving over 4000 patients suffering from secondary hypertension.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) provides a secure, web-based registry for recording of clinical observations and treatments of patients with polycystic ovaries. This includes support for investigations and trials associated with these patients including use of physical biospecimens. The system also includes support for patient self-reporting through the targeted delivery of mobile applications (both iOS and Android applications) that allow patients to record their own patient reported information in advance of meeting with doctors in clinics. A range of hospitals and clinical centres in the UK is currently evaluating the system.
CAPTURE
Youth alcohol consumption app and database (CAPTURE) is a project that supports research into alcohol consumption in young adults. The project includes collaboration between researchers at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and PRESS. The project ran to December 2015. In this project, PRESS developed an iOS-based mobile application and a secure web database for the associated data feed/capture. The web system also included a range of tests used for psychological analysis of individuals. This work ran for 3 months only and typifies the activities of PRESS in rapid delivery of software systems. The mobile app and database were developed in close coordination with the end users and successfully delivered. These apps can now be found in the Apple app store.
Metabolomics Australia Sample Tracking Repository
The Metabolomics Australia Sample Tracking Repository is a project funded by the Bio21 Institute through their involvement in Bio-platforms Australia. The grant runs from January 2016 – December 2016. This platform is for use in the tracking of physical bio-specimens and the associated metabolomics data analysis for researchers across Australia. PRESS are responsible for augmenting the existing platform for improved sample management including export to internationally standardised data formats as well as mobile applications for tracking of samples and delivery of results.