Local Researchers receive funding boost from ACT Government

An internet-based anxiety prevention program for schools and the effects of hypertension and gestational diabetes on infants are among the research projects awarded funding by the ACT Government.

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, today announced $200,000 in funding to foster the talents of health and medical researchers in the ACT.

“These grants are funded under the ACT Health and Medical Research Support Program and aim to promote increased research activity in the ACT,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Encouraging and developing local researchers in the health and medical sector is fundamental to ensuring that their knowledge and expertise remains within the territory.

“This support will help the ACT maintain its reputation for scientific excellence in health and medical research,” she said.

Funding will be awarded to the following five projects:

1	Dr Alison Calear Centre for Mental Health Research	Pilot trial of the e-couch GAD module in schools This project will be one of the first full trials of an internet-based anxiety prevention program in schools and aims to significantly reduce the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adolescents.	$38,924
2	Dr Danny Rangasamy The John Curtin School of Medical Research Australian National University	Activation of L1 Retrotransposon is associated with breast cancer development This project aims to improve diagnosis testing of breast cancer and to make the various grades and stages of breast cancers easier to classify.	$43,850
3	A/Prof Alison Kent Canberra Hospital	Renin and Aldosterone in neonates (Renal Study) This project aims to provide insight into to the mechanisms involved in hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy and the effect on infants, particularly the link to development of cardiovascular disease later in life. Also this research aims to guide development of therapeutic approaches to this issue.	$25,200

4		Dr Ben Rattray University of Canberra	The role of eccentric exercise and nutrition in the treatment of systemic inflammation and chronic disease This project aims to provide insight into improving exercise treatment of chronic disease, specifically in a diabetic population.		$50,000
5	Ms Donna Hodgson and Dr Catherine Hungerford (supervisor) University of Canberra		Evaluation of implementation of the recovery model of care in Mental Health ACT (ACT Health): Stages one and two This project aims to facilitate improvement of mental health service delivery to consumers and carers in the ACT.	$40,000
			TOTAL	$197,974

Ms Gallagher said there was strong demand for the funding with 27 applications received from local researchers based at the Australian National University, the University of Canberra and the Canberra Hospital with each assessed by the ACT Health and Medical Research Council.

The ACT Health and Medical Research Support Program commenced in 2004 with the aim of increasing the national and international contribution of the ACT health and medical research community.

Under the program researchers can receive funding for project development or short-term fellowships.

15 January 2010

Authorised by Katy Gallagher, ACT Legislative Assembly, London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601.