26th February 2010

Menzies School of Health Research has been awarded almost two million dollars in the latest round of grants funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Menzies’ Director, Jonathan Carapetis said the outcome further strengthens the Northern Territory’s ability to grow its own experts.

“This round is about supporting people, through scholarships and fellwships, to undertake the research that we were so successful in getting NHMRC project grants for. This is great in terms of training the next generation of research leaders for the Northern Territory and the nation.”

Menzies secured three NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships totalling $265,299.00.

Dr Asha Bowen and Dr Bridget Barber will use this funding to get postgraduate qualifications through full-time research in Menzies’ Scabies and Malaria projects.

Menzies School of Health Research also received six NHMRC Training Fellowships, totalling $1,648,500.00.

• Menzies’ Dr Louise Maple-Brown was awarded over $500,000.00 for her research into diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Indigenous Australians
• $345,000.00 went to Dr Gurmeet Singh’s work on chronic disease.
• Dr Steven Tong won a $345,000.00 grant for his research into understanding the genetics of dangerous bacteria.
• Professor Tricia Nagel was awarded $241, 500.00 for the BEAT depression and co morbidity program; and
• Dr Tsin Yeo received $199, 500.00 for his internationally important research into severe malaria.

This success builds on last year’s efforts, where Menzies outstripped national averages in grants approvals. Menzies’ researchers had over 40 per cent success rate in applications to NHMRC grants in 2009, beating the national averages of between 22 and 27 per cent.

For more information contact: Laetitia Lemke 0400 674 839