University of Melbourne researchers have been awarded $66.4 million for 43 projects through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grants.
Researchers will use genetics and molecular biology, artificial intelligence, epidemiology and radiotherapy to advance knowledge across disciplines including infection control, precision cancer treatment, obstetrics and psychology.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy AM said this Australian Government funding would help deliver positive outcomes across critical health areas.
"Our researchers are working to support our aging population through better physical and mental health, prevent suicide in younger Australians and improve regional health with new surveillance strategies for malaria elimination in the Asia Pacific region," Professor Cassidy said.
"This significant investment in transformational research will help improve quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare systems in Australia and across our region."
NHMRC Investigator Grants support high performing researchers with flexible funding over five years to develop collaborations and pursue important new research directions without being restricted to the scope of a specific research project.
The Australian Government awarded a total of 234 NHMRC Investigator Grants, investing $430 million in tackling some of Australia's greatest health challenges.
The 43 University of Melbourne projects explore the spectrum of key public health issues, including a project led by Associate Professor David Collins to develop 3D printed models that mimic human tissue found in the gut and blood vessels. This will provide researchers with realistic models to study how diseases progress and how potential treatments might work.
Professor Ada Cheung will lead a program to generate high-quality, community-led research on the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on mental health, muscle, heart, and immune function. The findings will reduce suicide risk, debunk myths and guide health and sporting policies based on science, not stigma.
Smoke from bushfire is a growing problem in Australia. Dr Xin Dai will lead a study of how long-term exposure to bushfire affects human lung health and who is most at risk. It will also test how well air filters protect people with lung diseases against bushfire impacts. The findings will help create better public health advice, targeted to reduce the harm in future fire seasons.
The full list of awardees can be found on the NHMRC website.
