$2.2m secured for researchers to improve Australians’ health and quality of life
Three University of Newcastle research teams have secured Australian Government funding to help improve the health and quality of life of Australians.
More than $2.2m in Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grants will support researchers to tackle the issue of depression in new aged care residents; help parents improve lunchbox choices and reduce childhood obesity; and target cancer while protecting the heart.
Dr Michelle Kelly - $200,000 over 12 months
Dr Kelly and her team are focused on one of the biggest stressors for residential aged care residents: making the transition from living at home and in their communities, to living in an aged care facility.
The team will evaluate the implementation of three programs in tandem to assist new aged care residents, their families, and aged care staff in preventing and reducing depression for residents. They'll then use their findings to support a national rollout plan.
Professor Luke Wolfenden - $997,000 grant over three years
An international study led by University of Newcastle researchers found one of the secrets to improving student health lies in the humble school lunchbox.
Professor Wolfenden and his team will test the scalability of SWAP-IT, a text-message intervention they developed and trialled in the Hunter regionwhich encourages parents to 'swap in' healthy foods and 'swap out' less nutritious snacks in their kids' lunchboxes every day.
Associate Professor Aaron Sverdlov - $999,998 over three years
Advances in cancer prevention and management have led to a significant increase in the number of cancer survivors. However, the side effects of treatments mean cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with and beyond cancer.
Associate Professors Sverdlov and Doan Ngo and their team from the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology will aim to develop better diagnostic and risk stratification tools for cardiotoxicity, while also identifying new therapeutic options that simultaneously target cancer and protect the heart.
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The Medical Research Future Fund is a $20 billion, long-term investment from the Australian Government to support Australian health and medical research.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.