2023 Laureate Profile: Professor Alpha Yap

Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland

Fellowship Project Summary

FL230100100 - Forces in Nature: Tissue mechanics and cell sociology

Professor Yap will study how epithelial cells use mechanical forces to communicate to keep their tissues in a state of stability while also adjusting to conditions that are best for their survival. Epithelial cells form layers that cover most internal and external surfaces of the body including the skin and internal organs, creating shields to protect the body from environmental stressors. Professor Yap will apply the new science of mechanobiology to understand how these cells communicate with each other using mechanical forces to transmit signals that detect stress. Understanding how mechanical force within cells supports stress detection will ultimately enable us to develop new approaches for tissue engineering, and new ways to develop drugs to combat diseases in both animals and humans. Research outcomes will provide new opportunities for Australian biotechnology and industry, realised through a new workforce and new industrial processes that apply physical approaches to diagnose and manipulate biological processes.

Australian Research Council funding: $3,300,000