Applications open for research grants

Grants of up to $100,000 supporting patient-focused projects are now on offer for local neuroscientists through the Neurotrauma Research Program at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

As part of the program’s partnership with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, it will receive $600,000 in funding over three years for research targeted at improving rehabilitation for people with catastrophic injuries, which could result in less future care required and lower insurance claim costs.

From July 1 last year, the Insurance Commission expanded its motor injury insurance to include lifetime care and support for people catastrophically injured in crashes.

Neurotrauma researchers across WA are invited to apply for the first of three annual rounds of grants to fund one-year research projects.

These projects must be focused on: utilising discoveries to develop therapeutic interventions; increasing the independence of individuals with acquired brain or spinal cord injuries; improving functional recovery through rehabilitation; and repairing and regenerating damaged human central nervous system tissue.  

Reducing the physical and psychosocial burden on caregivers and families and lowering costs for insurers are also project outcomes to be considered.

The research must be carried out in WA or involve significant collaboration with WA neuroscientists and/or clinicians and each grant budget must not exceed $100,000.

Applications must be submitted by 5.00pm Tuesday April 18 via the NRP section of the Harry Perkins website, with projects commencing from July 1.