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Monday, 17 October 2011

The University of Western Australia has confirmed its reputation as a national leader in research after being awarded more than $25 million in funding for 53 grants through the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The funding will enable the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in genetic eye health ($2.5 million) and provide research fellowships and project grants for dozens of UWA researchers.

Thirty-nine project grants totalling $18.9 million have been awarded for research projects into the genetic basis for leukaemia; asthma and respiratory infections; nutrition, obesity and mental health from infancy to adulthood; Aboriginal maternal and infant health; heart, muscle and bone diseases; brain injury and tumours; kidney donation; thyroid function; sleep apnoea and HIV.

They also include projects that will investigate eye health and diseases, including about $2 million for glaucoma-related research and $705,000 for research into myopia.

The funding was announced today in Adelaide by Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mr Mark Butler.

UWA acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Louden said the grants would ensure that the University continued to support the community - locally, nationally and international through vital medical and health research.

"Over almost a century, our researchers have made positive differences in the daily lives of people, not just in the fields of health and science, but in almost every aspect of their lives."

"The confidence placed in our University by the NHMRC will enable us to continue our mission to be counted among the top 50 universities in the world by 2050."

Media references

Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783

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