StatewideSuper supporting SAHMRI researchers

StatewideSuper has provided two up and coming South Australian researchers with the opportunity to further extend their research studies through SAHMRI by providing $20,000 worth of scholarships.

The aim of the inaugural StatewideSuper Research Scholarship program is to support outstanding health and medical research students early in their career. The program will enable emerging research stars to conduct groundbreaking research that is nationally and internationally competitive, right here in South Australia.

StatewideSuper Chief Executive, John O’Flaherty, said the scholarship program would benefit all parties involved.

“As a super fund, StatewideSuper is required under legislation to provide our members with a basic level of insurance cover, including death and total and permanent disablement insurance. Through providing this insurance we see the devastating impact that various serious illnesses have on our members every day and because of this the health of our fellow South Australians is a topic that is close to heart for us. At StatewideSuper we believe that the research SAHMRI conducts into the treatment and prevention of these illnesses will contribute towards a healthier South Australian workforce, which is beneficial to both our members and fellow South Australians,” said Mr. O’Flaherty.

An overwhelming amount of high-quality applications were received for the 2014 StatewideSuper Scholarship and the two recipients awarded are:

Dr Anthony Pisaniello – working in SAHMRI’s Heart Health theme, who will use his scholarship for his thesis into the impact of Fish Oils on Inflammatory Mediators of Heart Disease.

Sha Liu – working in SAHMRI’s Mind and Brain theme, who will further her studies in Major Depressive Disorders under the guidance of SAHMRI’s Mind & Brain theme leader Professor Julio Licinio.

Professor Steve Wesslingh, Executive Director SAHMRI, says SAHMRI is grateful to receive the support of organisations such as StatewideSuper who are providing opportunities to further the research being conducted at SAHMRI by investing in these researchers.