Cancer Council WA has welcomed the announcement of an additional $3 million funding for cancer research over the next three years by the Cook Government's Western Australian Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund to support cancer research in WA.
Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid, said the additional funding would enable the organisation to offer up to $4.34 million annually and address critical gaps that currently exist for WA cancer researchers.
"We would like to thank the Cook Government for its unwavering support of cancer research in Western Australia," Mr Reid said.
"Together with the $2.52 million awarded to us by the FHRI Fund earlier this year, this new pool of funding will allow us to support the growth of cancer research in this state, including addressing a significant gap in support for mid-career cancer researchers.
"This new funding will ensure these researchers are supported to stay in research, contribute to life-saving discoveries, and advance cancer care and prevention."
Mr Reid said the funding also allows for additional clinical capacity-building grants and Aboriginal student stipends, will also address other critical needs in WA's cancer research landscape.
"We know the importance of strengthening the bridge between clinical practice and research, and these grants will empower clinicians to take an active role in advancing cancer care," he said.
"At the same time, supporting Aboriginal students to enter the field of cancer research will help ensure our research reflects and meets the needs of WA's diverse population."
New research opportunities made possible by this funding through the Co-funding Partnership Program include:
- A mid-career fellowship awarded annually for the next three years, providing vital support to researchers navigating the challenging transition between early-career and senior-level funding.
- A mid-career investigator grant awarded annually for three years, to drive innovative research projects led by mid-career scientists.
- Clinical capacity-building grants, enabling clinicians to incorporate research into their practice and deliver evidence-based care.
- Undergraduate annual stipends to support Aboriginal students pursuing cancer research, fostering greater representation and cultural diversity in the field.
The three-year program of matched funding from the FHRI Fund and Cancer Council WA's donor funded investment, will see a funding pool of $6 million to build research skills in WA including senior research fellowships, early career fellowships, early career project grants, and PhD top-up scholarships.
Cancer Research Project Grants
Mr Reid also congratulated the recipients of the Cancer Research Project Grants co-funded by Western Australian FHRI Fund and Cancer Council WA announced today.
"I would like to extend my congratulations to the 12 successful grant recipients," he said.
"These grants will help address cancer research conducted in key priority areas of rural and remote health, clinical health, Aboriginal health, and public health.
"These streams create an important opportunity to direct resources towards identified areas of cancer research need and expand the breadth of the projects and researchers we fund."
