The Albanese Government is investing $10.1 million to support the next generation of health and medical researchers.
Through the NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships scheme, 67 outstanding graduates will receive scholarships to pursue research that spans the full spectrum of health.
These scholarships give early-career researchers the training and support they need to conduct world-class research and build the skills to lead original, independent projects that improve health outcomes for Australians.
A project focused on women living with multiple sclerosis (MS) will investigate how menopause and aging affect symptoms, thinking, and quality of life.
Led by Dr Jessica Redmond from Monash University and The Alfred, the PhD research will assess two under-researched areas: the menopausal transition in women with MS and the use of novel visual and brain imaging biomarkers to track aging and disease progression.
MS is an autoimmune neurodegenerative condition that affects three times more women than men. While most diagnoses occur between 20 and 40, people aged 50 and over now make up a large proportion of those living with MS.
This research will explore how menopause symptoms overlap with MS and whether advanced eye imaging can detect signs of accelerated aging, helping predict disability earlier and improve care for women as they age.
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC's outcomes of funding rounds page.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is investing in the next generation of Australian health and medical research leaders, empowering our brightest minds to pursue innovative ideas and drive scientific discovery.
"These scholarships strengthen our ability to tackle tomorrow's health challenges and deliver breakthroughs that improve lives.
"Research like this into MS and aging will help improve care for women living with MS and ensure they have better quality of life as they age."
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."
Quotes attributable to Dr Jessica Redmond:
"This project addresses critical gaps in care for women living with multiple sclerosis during midlife, when biological ageing, hormonal change, and disease progression intersect but are poorly understood in clinical practice.
"By clarifying how these factors influence symptoms, cognition, disability, and quality of life, and by developing practical biomarkers of neurodegeneration, this research has the potential to reduce diagnostic uncertainty, improve personalised care, and inform national policy.
"I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to give visibility to women's lived experiences and translate their priorities into meaningful improvements in care."
