- More than $7.9 million delivered in latest Future Health Research and Innovation Funding rounds
- Since 2020 the FHRI Fund has awarded more than $250 million to more than 750 recipients
- Delivering on the State Government's plan to meet the health needs of Australia's fastest growing population
Western Australians will benefit from a coordinated investment of more than $7.9 million through two programs as part of the Cook Government's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund.
The Enabling Scheme provides cofunding for essential infrastructure such as lab fitouts and advanced computing, so researchers and clinicians have the tools they need to deliver the best care here in WA.
The Research and Innovation Capacity and Capability Building Program invests in the workforce, training, mentoring, expert reviews and support services, putting WA's research community in a competitive position for national grants and supports innovators navigating the health system.
These successful recipients under the Enabling Scheme are:
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research - to install a high-performance computing system that uses artificial intelligence to rapidly analyse vast amounts of information and enhance personalised healthcare;
- The University of Western Australia - to replace vital sterilisation equipment, ultimately to continue important paediatric research;
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science - to build WA's first Nanopore genome sequencing platform, making genetic testing faster and more accurate for clinical practice and trials;
- The University of Western Australia - to establish a collaboration hub, bringing together researchers, clinicians and industry to drive health innovation; and
- North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) - to trial WA's first integrated robotic bronchoscopy program to transform lung cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways.
The NMHS robotic bronchoscopy program has already treated 15 patients and continues to assist in earlier detection of lung cancer.
Three recipients were awarded grants under the Research and Innovation Capacity and Capability Building Program:
- Professor Christopher Reid who leads the Next Generation Clinical Trials for WA program, providing world-class training and mentoring, to support WA's clinical workforce deliver globally impactful clinical trials;
- Professor Girish Dwivedi received almost $1.2 million to establish the HealthReady program, which helps innovators validate their work with WA's public healthcare system; and
- Dr Tracey Wilkinson was awarded almost $900,000 to pilot the WA Grant Excellence Service, supporting researchers and innovators to strengthen applications for national grant opportunities.
Since 2020, the FHRI Fund has awarded more than $250 million to over 750 recipients - evidence that Western Australia is building a strong, connected research ecosystem that delivers for patients and creates skilled local jobs.
Comments attributed to Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Through the FHRI Fund, the Cook Government is backing the researchers and facilities that will drive the future of healthcare here in WA.
"Whether it's using AI to accelerate cancer research, or establishing a new collaboration hub at QEII, these projects help turn scientific discovery into real health outcomes.
"These initiatives will also ensure our local researchers and innovators have the skills, support and networks to compete on the national stage and bring their ideas to life.
"By building capacity in clinical trials, innovation adoption and competitive grant applications, we're laying the foundations for better health outcomes and more jobs right here in Western Australia."
