NHMRC is investing $10.1 million to support the next generation of outstanding health and medical research graduates.
The Postgraduate Scholarships scheme will provide funding to 67 postgraduate scholarships for health and medical research that covers the spectrum from basic science to clinical medicine, public health and health services research.
The scheme aims to support outstanding health and medical graduates in the early stages of their careers by providing training to conduct internationally competitive research and build original, independent research capacity within Australia.
Dr Dana Forcey from the Menzies School of Health Research will use the Northern Territory Kidney Care database to improve predictions of kidney failure risk among First Nations Australians. Her research will also forecast future patient numbers and support workforce planning to meet the future demand for kidney care services.
University of Melbourne clinician-researcher Dr Declan Connoley will investigate whether faecal microbiota transplantation can help keep Crohn’s disease in remission. His research will also examine changes in gut bacteria linked to remission in this chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
At the University of Adelaide, Dr Christopher Belder will lead research to identify blood-based biomarkers that will improve understanding of Alzheimer's disease. His work aims to enable more accurate diagnosis, assessment of risk of future cognitive decline and to inform treatments strategies and clinical trials focused on prevention.
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh:
“Our health and medical research system relies on collaboration and sharing of knowledge to accelerate discoveries and their translation into practice to solve health challenges – this collaboration begins with our new graduates.
- “This investment through NHMRC’s Postgraduate Scholarship program supports not just the individual researchers but also helps to build Australia’s future research capacity.
- “Congratulations to all successful scholars receiving funding under today’s announcement.”