Sydney takes leading role in new health research projects

University of Sydney Researchers were among several recipients of a $10 million government grant to boost health research into chronic diseases, Indigenous health and the recovery process of older Australians who have been hospitalised.

Four substantial projects have been funded, with grants ranging from $600,000 to $3.5 million. The grants have been awarded under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Health Services Research Program.

Professor Stephen Leeder will lead a team researching cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim is to implement strategies for better prevention, management and care for Australians with, or at serious risk of contracting these chronic illnesses.

Professor Ian Cameron’s team will investigate the impact on older Australians and their carers of the transition from hospital care to community and residential care. The team will develop new models for high quality and cost effective systems of care.

Dr Alan Cass and his team will use a $2.8 million grant over five years to research ways to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal Australians with chronic disease. The study will focus on identifying existing health system barriers and developing ways to overcome them.

Other universities collaborating in the research include the Australian National University, Flinders University, the University of Queensland and six Aboriginal Services sites.