Release date: 21/12/2010
Ten researchers are getting their first taste of the thrill of discovery, with grants from The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
Foundation CEO Kate Ashton said nearly $90,000 has been awarded in grants for one-year projects by novice researchers. “Earlier this year The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation launched our refreshed grants framework which includes specific project funding for people starting their research journey,” Ms Ashton said. “This second round of grants will fund projects across many disciplines at The Prince Charles Hospital including nursing, mental health, orthopaedics, allied health, cardiology, general medicine, thoracic medicine and critical care. “Novice researchers can apply for up to $10,000 to fund a specific research project which can be completed within 12 months. This round brings our total funding awarded for 2010 to more than $1.2 million across our four grant programs,” Ms Ashton said. “We are already seeing exciting results from the first round of novice researchers funded earlier this year. These researchers are now able to demonstrate their findings and apply for larger amounts to support further research.” Perfusionist Charles McDonald received a new researcher grant earlier in the year to study whether essential trace element levels are absorbed by the cardiopulmonary bypass machine. “I was really fortunate that The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation saw the value of the research,” Mr McDonald said. “As a perfusionist, there are limited funding opportunities for research. I’m the first person from our department to receive a research grant in 25 years.” Mr McDonald’s research has already been recognised at the national perfusion conference and an international critical care conference. Project Grants (Novice Researcher) funding is available for people who work at The Prince Charles Hospital and who have never received research funding as a chief investigator. In 2010 The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation has awarded: • 21 Project Grants (Novice Researcher) in two rounds, totalling $187,825 • 11 Main Strategic Grants (Project Grants Experienced Researcher from 2011), totalling $910,677 • 5 Small Equipment Grants, totalling $20,793 • 5 Large Equipment Grants, totalling $103,411 Applications are now open for 2011 Project and Equipment Grants. To find out about research supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.tpchfoundation.org.au Download the media release (pdf)
Media contacts: Christine Atkinson, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation ph (07) 3139 6350