Monash researchers will share in $53.3 million across a total of 32 awards, as a part of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant scheme.
The NHMRC Ideas Grant scheme rewards innovative research projects in health and medical sciences, awarding funding for one to five years.
Professor Mehmet Yuce of the Faculty of Engineering, whose project seeks to utilise smartphone cameras and AI for blood pressure measurement, said that he was delighted when he heard the news of his successful award.
"This project uses smartphone cameras and advanced AI algorithms to measure blood pressure, marking a significant step toward more accessible and patient-friendly hypertension management, with particular advantages for paediatric care and remote populations," said Professor Yuce.
"I am extremely delighted with the support that will enable us to build a strong collaboration with experts in cardiovascular science and health informatics across multiple universities and hospitals, helping us take this technology to the next level."
Dr Bianca Jupp, whose awarded project seeks to address impulsivity during methamphetamine withdrawal, said the grant is an exciting step forward for her research.
"This is an incredibly exciting outcome for our lab," said Dr Jupp. "It gives us the scope and stability to explore an under-examined driver of impulsive behaviour: the brain's immune system.
"What we uncover has real potential to guide a new generation of targeted therapies for conditions such as methamphetamine use disorder and ADHD."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President, Professor Robyn Ward AM, said the awards recognise Monash's strength in innovation and health and medical research.
"These awards reflect the outstanding quality and ambition of our researchers, whose work spans some of Australia's most pressing health challenges: from improving stroke treatments and tackling viral infections to developing new approaches to chronic pain. They demonstrate how Monash research benefits our community, turning discovery into better health outcomes for people in Australia and around the world.
Click here for a full list of awardees
