The Albanese Government is investing $9.8 million to support the early research careers of outstanding health and medical graduates through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Postgraduate Scholarship scheme.
60 outstanding and exceptional graduates will develop their capability for original independent research and expand the capacity of the health and medical research workforce.
Scholarship recipients will be provided with funding to attain a Doctor of Philosophy or a Research Masters degree.
Today's announcement an additional $2.8 million to increase scholarship stipends to $50,000 per year from 1 January 2024 for all new and existing NHMRC Postgraduate Scholars.
Among the new Postgraduate Scholars being announced today are:
Mrs Victoria-Rae Sinka from the University of Sydney, who is partnering with the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector to develop a community-based kidney health promotion program for Aboriginal children and young people.
Dr Emma Smith from Menzies School of Health Research, who is working in partnership with community members and clinician researchers, will develop and implement community-led strategies to improve tuberculosis (TB) treatments to help close the gap in newly diagnosed cases of TB between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians.
Dr Danny Con from the University of Melbourne will use mathematical and computer-based models to describe how infliximab, a drug used to treat ulcerative colitis, is broken down and affects inflammation, as well as how gut bacteria can be used to predict patient outcomes.
Mr Bradley Menz from Flinders University will analyse high-value data from major breast cancer trials to provide world-leading insights into the safety and efficacy of commonly used breast cancer treatments.
The full list of outstanding graduates is included below.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government continues its investment in the next generation of Australia's leaders in health and medical research.
"The brilliant minds of our postgraduates will ultimately lead to advances in research that hold the potential to improve the future health outcomes of all Australians."
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:
"NHMRC's Postgraduate Scholarship scheme creates opportunities for health and medical graduates to pursue their objectives in tackling some of Australia's biggest health challenges.
"It is also a great ignitor for those wanting to kick-start their careers and set them on the path to becoming a clinician researcher or an independent career in research.
"The new $50,000 per year stipend for all NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship holders will help create an attractive pathway for these graduates to enter and pursue their research careers.
"I'm thrilled to see the diverse range of projects and outstanding research that is about to happen in Australia - congratulations to all recipients."
