The Australian Government has award $4.7 million to La Trobe University researchers through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
The grants, announced today by the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, will support researchers conducting ground-breaking work to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care for people with various health conditions.
Two La Trobe University projects, led by Associate Professor Joanne Kemp from the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, and Professor Adam Bourne, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) have been successful in today's announcements.
These projects will enhance the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.
La Trobe University Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Industry Engagement), Professor Susan Dodds FAHA, welcomed the announcement and said these grants were testament to La Trobe's commitment to excellence in research.
"Warmest congratulations to our two research teams whose work demonstrates the impact purpose-driven research can make. This funding enables these researchers to continue their pioneering work, making a tangible difference to the lives and health outcomes of people in Australia, and globally," Professor Dodds said.
About the projects:
Associate Professor Joanne Kemp from the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre has been awarded $2,714,343 for research into improving outcomes for children and adolescents with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia means the hip joint socket is shallow, which in severe cases means it can dislocate or be prone to dislocation. Globally, one in 100 infants are treated for hip dysplasia.
"Hip dysplasia can have a devastating impact on the lives of children, teenagers and young adults, causing severe pain and limitations to their school, sporting and social lives. It can also lead to arthritis in the future," Dr Kemp said.
"This funding will allow us to test the two most common treatments - surgery and exercise - to determine which is the most effective at reducing pain, improving quality of life and reducing the future potential burden of arthritis."
In 2023, La Trobe University was ranked in the world's top 50 Universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Sports-Related Subjects
Professor Adam Bourne, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), been awarded $1,998,842 for work optimising the role and impact of mental health and alcohol or drug services and programs delivered by LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations in Australia.
Many sexuality and gender diverse people experience challenges relating to their mental health, alcohol or other drug use, and health providers can struggle to understand and respond to the unique needs of this group. Sometimes the best support is provided by LGBTIQ-specific organisations and this project will examine how effective these organisations are at meeting these health needs and how we can draw on their strengths and make better connections with other organisations to improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.
Professor Bourne welcomed the announcement.
"We're absolutely thrilled to receive this major grant. It provides a valuable and unique opportunity to explore how best we can meet the health needs of LGBTQ+ communities. There is an amazing partnership of organisations and people involved and we're all excited for what we can accomplish together," Professor Bourne said.
