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PDF printable version of Boost for Health Medical Research in South Australia (PDF 23 KB)

17 October 2011

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, today announced the single biggest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.

The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide.

South Australian universities and research institutes will receive $59.3 million for 90 grants, through the National Health and Medical Research Council.

“This investment will ensure that South Australian researchers remain at the forefront of work that expands the frontiers of health and medical research,” Mr Butler said.

“These grants support South Australia’s research community to continue to do what they do so well – making cutting edge discoveries that improve the diagnosis, treatment and cure of illnesses that touch all Australians.

“The grants announced today will ensure that young researchers have a solid foundation for their career, experienced researchers can run innovative research projects and clinicians can integrate their clinical skills into research practice.

“The Gillard Labor Government is committed to supporting Australia’s role as the clever country. That is why the Government continues to fund health and medical research at record levels.”

South Australian researchers receiving funding include specialists in a range of health areas including diet and allergies.

• Professor Maria Makrides and her team at the University of Adelaide will receive $429,231 to investigate the effect of omega-2 dietary supplements, like fish oil, in pregnancy to determine whether they reduce asthma and allergies in school age children. This research has the potential to reduce the number of children affected by chronic and potentially fatal asthma.

The University of Adelaide led research institutions in South Australia and was sixth most successful nationally, receiving $44.8 million through 60 grants. Flinders University will receive 19 grants worth $9.6 million, with $3.8 million going to the University of South Australia for eight grants. Single grants will go to the IMVS ($615,000), Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute ($294,892) and CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition ($205,450).

Further information on all NHMRC grants announced today can be found at the NHMRC website.

For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280