- $2
million awarded to support significant studies into health of Western
Australians
- Funding
to progress six Western Australian cohort studies
- Study
focus areas include cancer, perinatal health and early child development
Long running cohort
studies being conducted in Western Australia on major health issues have been
awarded $2 million by the Cook Government to continue their life saving
research.
Medical Research
Minister Stephen Dawson said the funding would provide ongoing financial
assistance to six Western Australian cohort studies that hold local and
international importance due to their research achievements.
The $2 million in
grants, provided through the State Government's groundbreaking Future Health
Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, will enable some of the most significant
and long-running cohort studies in Western Australia to continue.
The WA Cohort
Studies – Operational Support Program (WACS-OSP) enables cohort studies to continue
their contributions to clinical studies and the delivery of health outcomes.
The six cohort
studies include:
- Busselton Health Study
- Cancer Blood Biomarkers Study
- The ORIGINS Project
- PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children's Physical Activity Study
(PLAYCE)
- The Raine Study
- Western Australian Paediatric Oncology Cohort.
The Raine Study
celebrates a 35-year anniversary this year, as one of the most extensive
studies of pregnancy, childhood and adulthood ever undertaken. With more than
650 peer-reviewed papers published, it continues to improve health and wellbeing
along the life course, through ground-breaking research into pregnancy, breastfeeding,
early childhood, and young adults.
The Cancer Blood Biomarkers Study
aims to identify cancer
biomarkers in blood and other body fluids, to enable personalised cancer
monitoring and treatment. Results from this study have significantly improved
the understanding of how blood biomarkers can inform treatment decisions for
cancer patients.
The PLAYCE cohort
examines the
importance of physical activity in young children in WA, particularlyaround how early
childhood education, the home, and surrounding environments can promote
physical activity and healthy child development.
The WACS-OSP is administered through
the Department of Health's Office of Medical Research and Innovation. Further
information regarding all the recipients can be found on FHRI website.
The
Cook Government established the productive FHRI Fund in 2020, which is backed
by the State's almost $1.8 billion sovereign wealth fund. This has resulted in
nearly $250 million being available over the next four years to support health
and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
Comments attributed to Medical Research
Minister Stephen Dawson:
"It's a
priority for the Cook Government to ensure that this long term and lifesaving
medical research can continue, and WA maintains its international reputation a
centre of excellence in the field of medical research.
"We have some
remarkable medical studies taking place in WA, providing significant
contributions to the medical research sector.
"These contributions will ultimately benefit the health and wellbeing of
Western Australians, and it is imperative that this vital work continues, as it
generates a WA perspective in ongoing research.
"Our Government has a vision to make Western Australia an international
hub for medical research and innovation and our FHRI Fund continues to provide
a strong investment platform to make this happen."
