New funding support offered to help medical research happen

The grants, made through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Independent Research Institute Infrastructure Support Scheme, support the indirect costs of maintaining internationally competitive research. Funds will be used to provide non–capital support services such as laboratory staff, libraries, computer services and maintenance for the high tech equipment required for contemporary research.

Announcing the funding recently, NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson said “Successful research takes more than just the commitment of talented researchers. To ensure that Australia stays at the cutting edge, scientists need access to the latest information technology, well maintained equipment and skilled support staff.

“These grants will ensure that this support is available when and where it is needed.

“Properly funded successful medical research is a building block support less privileged countries in our region and to attract and retain some of the brightest research minds in the country.

The 25 grants funded under the Independent Research Institute Infrastructure Support Scheme vary from $7,125 to $6.21m, based on the total amount of NHMRC research grants funding held by each institution.