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SAHMRI’s many talented early and mid-career researchers (EMCR) who are less than 10 years post PhD, will have the chance to benefit from the success of the BRIGHT Walk, thanks to the creation of an exciting new award with life-changing potential.

The winner of the BRIGHT Accelerator Award will receive funding for a 12-month period, to the tune of $100,000, to launch their project in basic science, health services or implementation research.

SAHMRI Director, Professor Steve Wesselingh says the offering shows all the work put into the institute’s major fundraiser is now paying off.

“It’s really exciting that all those people who gave their time and effort to the BRIGHT Walk can now see the money they raised being used to support our brightest young researchers to make a real impact on some of our most significant health challenges,” Prof Wesselingh said.

The award will boost EMCR development and fast-track innovation by giving SAHMRI’s rising stars a launchpad to turn their project idea into a reality, build their professional network and enhance their competitiveness for future grants.

“The funds raised by the BRIGHT Walk offer a unique opportunity to help our researchers during a critical phase in their development, when they’re building on ideas that contribute to making life better for all,” Prof Wesselingh said.

“Researchers can’t do it alone and the BRIGHT Accelerator Award is great step towards bridging the funding gap.”

The awardee will become a SAHMRI BRIGHT Ambassador and will represent SAHMRI in the 2023 BRIGHT Walk by promoting their research to the broader community.

The award will be decided in the first quarter of 2023.