2 February 2022

Our next round of scientific investigation has been given a boost at Austin Health, with the 2022 Austin Health Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) Grants.

The AMRF awarded 25 grants a total $390,655 to support a range of projects that do everything from investigating a wearable device that continuously monitors foetal heart rate to designing breast cancer immunotherapy.

AMRF Research Committee Chair Prof. Robert Jones said “Each year we are impressed by the calibre of applications received, and 2022 is no exception. The applications were of generally high quality but quite diverse, with some unique ones.”

“The assessment process was rigorous, and the outcome was AMRF giving awards of greater average value than previously, though to fewer grantees. Nevertheless, the overall success rate for applicants was higher than normal.

"We congratulate all awardees and wish them the best with their projects over the next year.”

​​​​​​​“We were especially pleased to be able to acknowledge the 20 years of service Associate Professor Bernie Sweet provided to the foundation by awarding a clinical fellowship named in his honour.”

The fellowship was awarded to Dr Ingrid Bretherton to investigate the bone effects of hormone therapy in transgender adults.

​​​​​​​The broad intention of this fellowship is to help the early career development of a clinical research fellow, by providing funding for research project costs and or salary. The funding of capital equipment costs is excluded.

All research projects including clinical trials have the approval of the appropriate Austin Health Ethics Committee.

See a full list of funding recipients.