We are fighting the rising global epidemic of fatty liver disease, tackling liver cancer and discovering new ways to diagnose liver cirrhosis.
Fatty liver disease affects one in four Australian adults—about six million people. The condition is common in veterans, particularly those with PTSD.
Without intervention, fatty liver disease can progress to serious complications, including liver cancer—the fastest-rising cause of cancer death in Australia. In advanced cases, liver transplant may be the only option.
GMR is pioneering earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments to improve patient outcomes.
If left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to liver cirrhosis. In collaboration with Griffith University and fellow researcher Professor Chamindie Punyadeera, Professor Darrell Crawford’s research team have discovered salivary biomarkers of liver cirrhosis.
Liver cirrhosis can cause significant complications such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and an increased risk of liver cancer. The development of a simple saliva test could revolutionise the way cirrhosis is currently detected, especially in rural and Indigenous communities. Early identification of cirrhosis is critical to identify at-risk individuals who will benefit from further investigations to detect early liver cancer when curative therapies are more likely to be successful.
Primary liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has increased by 400% in Australia over the past 25 years. Late detection, limited treatment options and recurrence of the cancer due to therapy resistance are causing the global burden of liver cancer to rapidly increase.
We’re focused on creating solutions to this health crisis through a ‘predict and prevent’ approach to research, and our liver researchers are progressing a number of key projects aimed at progressing from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside and out into the community.
While our researchers continue to pursue new treatments, the most effective way to support your liver today is through lifestyle changes.
The liver is a vital organ responsible for more than 500 essential functions, including detoxification and bile production to aid fat digestion.
However, modern diets high in fat and sugar can place significant strain on the liver, increasing the risk of serious conditions like fatty liver disease and liver cancer. Supporting liver health is crucial to maintaining overall wellbeing.
We work closely with The University of Queensland, Griffith University and Ochsner Health (based in New Orleans, US) on our liver research.
We are a major worldwide and top recruiter for clinical trials.
We pride ourselves on conducting research and clinical trials responsibly, safely and ethically
Having studied engineering at The University of New South Wales, Afolabi’s passion for medical research and strong desire to make a positive impact led him to undertake his PhD
Read moreDoctors across Asia Pacific will now have access to gold-standard clinical practice guidelines on haemochromatosis thanks to a collaboration between GMR researchers and leading experts
Read moreA diagnosis of liver cancer often arrives quietly, but its impact is devastating. For many patients and their families, it brings uncertainty, limited treatment options, and survival odds that remain stubbornly low.
Read moreCongratulations to GMR Liver Cancer Research Lead and Research Fellow Dr Xiaowen (Tina) Liang, who recently presented her research at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2025 in Singapore.
Read moreFor more than 25 years, Professor Darrell Crawford has dedicated his career to improving the lives of people with liver disease.
Read moreDr Afolabi Akanbi has chosen to pursue research and to contribute to improving treatments for people living with chronic liver diseases.
Read moreResearch recently published in Nature has uncovered new insights
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