The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is investing $1.5 million to support Australian researchers to form international collaborations and strengthen the impact of research innovation while tackling global health challenges.
Successful grant recipients will receive funding under the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-European Union (EU) Collaborative Research grant scheme 2024, which supports Australian participation in leading international collaborative research under the EU framework programme, Horizon Europe - EU's key funding program for research and innovation.
The 2024 NHMRC-EU grant round was open to Australian researchers across topics such as the prevention of non-communicable diseases, environmental pollution, healthcare interventions and pandemic preparedness and response.
Mosquito delivered viruses are on the rise due to climate change and other environmental impacts. Over the past few years Australia has witnessed the emergence of flaviviruses Japanese and Murray Valley encephalitis, resulting in deaths in our communities.
Dr Merja Joensuu of the University of Queensland will lead a project aiming to identify key steps in how flaviviruses infect the body to identify specific antiviral therapeutics that not only protect the Australian population but also safeguard against pathogens of pandemic potential.
Mental illnesses are the leading cause of disability globally and over 70% start before the age of 25. Early intervention is key, but young people face barriers to effective care. Australian models, such as walk-in youth services and digital platforms are expanding, but large-scale evaluations are needed.
Professor Mario Alvarez-Jimenez of the University of Melbourne will lead the YOUTHreach project to conduct large-scale trials across 10 sites both in Europe and Australia. This international trial of digital platforms will provide strong evidence to inform policy and expand globally.
NHMRC funding provided through this scheme will support the Australian component of the collaborative partnership, while the international research partners will be funded by their respective funding agencies.
All funding details can be downloaded on NHMRC's outcomes of funding rounds webpage.
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh:
"NHMRC funding supports Australian health and medical researchers to collaborate internationally to improve the health of the Australian community, our region and the world.
"Through forming strong collaborative relationships with our EU partners, Australian researchers are strategically positioned to drive global innovations to improve health and can leverage global knowledge and technologies."
