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Media release
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Description: THE HON NICOLA ROXON MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, announces Tasmanian health and medical researchers have received more than $3 million in funding from the latest round of NHMRC project grants. Date: 16 October 2008 |
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NHMRC directs $3M to Tasmanian medical research
Tasmanian health and medical researchers have received more than $3 million in funding from the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grants.
I am pleased to announce these seven grants, which are part of $357 million funded nationally.
I commend the researchers who have been awarded grants. The high calibre of medical research in this country means that successful applicants are of an outstanding level, carrying out research that will benefit the health of Australians in both the long and short term.
Research in Tasmania will add to our knowledge of multiple sclerosis, a disease more common in this state than the mainland, as well as nation-wide issues such as risk factors for obesity in young adults and cystic fibrosis.
Tasmanian projects will be carried out by the Menzies Research Institute and include:
- Who is at risk of multiple sclerosis? Assoc Prof Bruce Taylor receives almost $690,000 to identify people at risk of developing multiple sclerosis and to understand the progression of the disease.
- Lung infections in cystic fibrosis: Dr David Reid receives $245,750 to research the behaviour of bacteria that causes lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis, and the response of their immune systems, to reduce lung damage.
- Risk factors for obesity, heart disease and diabetes in young adults. Associate Professor Alison Venn receives $349,700 to research how depression, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption in young adults influences the risk of developing obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Understanding these risk factors as part of this study will then aid in developing appropriate prevention strategies.
More than 28 per cent of applications from Tasmanian researchers were funded, slightly above the national average.
For the full list of grants recipients, membership of the Project Grants Advisory Group, and statistics on the grants, visit www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/rounds/index.htm.
Media contacts
Sean Kelly
Minister’s office
T
0417 108 362
Carolyn Norrie
NHMRC
T
0422 008 512
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