$9 million boost to health and medical research at Newcastle

Monday 16 October 2006

The University of Newcastle has received more than $9 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for new research projects beginning in 2007.

It is an increase of more than $3 million on last year, and confirms Newcastle's position as among the world's top universities for health and medical research.

Professor Barney Glover, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), said the University had received funding for 16 research projects.

"Of particular significance is the $2.4 million awarded to Professor Jim Denham for a clinical trial to determine the value of hormone and bone fortifying therapy on a contained prostate cancer," he said.

"Researchers from three of the University's newly formed Priority Research Centres (PRCs) are among the successful recipients.

"Professor Roger Smith from the PRC for Reproductive Science has received two grants to study premature birth.

"At the PRC for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Professor Peter Gibson has received more than $800,000 to study the management of asthma in pregnancy while Dr Peter Wark has received more than $300,000 to look at the role of the common cold in asthma.

"Professor John Rostas from the PRC for Brain and Mental Health Research received more than more than $500,000 to investigate an important regulatory molecule in the brain and its influences on brain function.

"There is also funding for research into Parkinson's disease, breast cancer, cardiac pacemaking and the analysis of a protein unique to leukaemia cells.

"Today's announcement is an endorsement of the University's researchers as among the best in their fields."

The significant funding follows last week's Australian Government announcement of more than $9 million for the University from the Australian Research Council's (ARC) National Competitive Grants Program.

The University's Priority Research Centres bring together researchers across health, energy and the environment, and science and engineering, to embark on research driven by stronger strategy and maximising their competitive strengths. The health related PRCs will work very closely with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

For interviews: Professor Mike Calford, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health, on 0439 421 781.

View the details of the successful grants.