The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has just announced two of SAHMRI’s Aboriginal health research leaders will have their new major projects funded under its Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies grant scheme.

Aboriginal Health Equity Theme Co-lead, Associate Professor Odette Pearson, will guide a team of researchers to establish an Aboriginal cancer cohort, tasked with identifying priority areas for addressing disparities to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for cancer diagnoses among Aboriginal people.

“Our study will establish an Aboriginal cancer cohort by creating a unique state-wide dataset that will inform effective early detection, treatment and survivorship programs and system responses,” A/Prof Pearson said.

“Findings in relation to each of our aims will be pivotal for informing decision making that, for Aboriginal people, achieves earlier detection of cancers, better cancer service experiences, more comprehensive cancer care, longer survival and greater quality of life.”

Ms Karen Glover, Leader of the Aboriginal Communities And Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA), will undertake a project that aims to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, and translate the knowledge gained into action across primary health care, mental health, housing, education and social care sectors.

“The study will provide evidence to inform co-design and implementation of responses to intergenerational and complex trauma, including strategies to promote resilience, healing and recovery for young people and their mothers and other primary caregivers,” Ms Glover said.

The scheme is providing a total of $77 million to clinical trials and cohort studies nationwide, aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians. Twenty-five research teams from across the nation will share in the funding to undertake projects focused on mental health, clinical outcomes for babies, children and adolescents, and Indigenous health and wellbeing.

NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh, congratulated all the recipients on their success.

“Congratulations to the researchers funded today who are helping Australians gain access to better treatment and thank you, more broadly, to the participants for volunteering their involvement in the research that holds potential in helping many others,” Professor Wesselingh said.

A full list of funding outcomes for the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant scheme 2023 is available here.