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Monash wins $24million in NHMRC grants

19 October 2005

Monash researchers have been awarded more than $24 million in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project Grants, announced last week.

The funding will support 35 projects, 14 research fellowships and four career development awards. It includes funding for Monash researchers to investigate factors that cause brain injury in sleep and establish how bacterial toxins cause the disease known as Buruli Ulcer.

Nationally, Monash was fourth behind the universities of Melbourne ($42,704,750), Sydney ($31,313,298) and Western Australia ($27,186,979).

Monash's deputy vice-chancellor (research), Professor Edwina Cornish, said she was pleased with the university's performance, which was an increase of almost $10 million on last year.

"There are some terrific success stories in these results," Professor Cornish said. "Our researchers are to be congratulated on their efforts."

A team led by Dr Lesley Day, a senior research fellow at the Monash University Accident Research Centre, received $869,450 to investigate whether exercise can delay the onset of disability in older people.

The project, which will start next year, will recruit 500 people over the age of 70 from retirement villages throughout Melbourne and randomly assign them to receive one of two exercise programs -- Tai Chi or a stretching and relaxation program -- for 48 weeks.

The groups will then be compared to determine if there is any difference in the development of disability as well as a range of functional outcomes such as strength, balance, depression, arthritic symptoms and falls.

Dr Karin Leder, from the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, received $844,313 to determine whether drinking unboiled water from rainwater tanks posed a significant health risk.

"Current recommendations state that rainwater can be safely used for purposes other than drinking," Dr Leder said. "But because of potential contamination and limited evidence regarding safety, drinking unboiled rainwater or using it for purposes where inadvertent consumption may occur is not approved by state health departments.

"This study will provide a better understanding of the relationship between rainwater consumption and human health and will provide data regarding safe uses of this alternative water source."

Professor Bruce Tonge, head of the Department of Psychological Medicine, is leading a team that received $962,250 to study the course of emotional and behavioural problems in young people with intellectual disability.