Federal Government funds recognise research expertise
Research activity across the district is stepping up following a large injection of funds through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants scheme. A group of Kolling Institute clinician/researchers will share more than $4 million for a range of projects to improve long term patient outcomes and the health of the broader community. Oncologist Dr David Chan (pictured left), Sydney Vital Research Fellow from the Bill Walsh Lab has received funding for a five-year program to improve PET imaging for neuroendocrine neoplasms - rare and highly variable tumours. His work could assist the diagnosis of other cancers too, like prostate cancer. “I feel honoured to be funded by the NHMRC scheme to continue my research in this area,” he said. “There is often little evidence to help clinicians interpret scans and choose the best treatment, so I hope this research will change the lives of those affected by neuroendocrine tumours and help improve their care.” The Women and Babies Research team at the Kolling has been awarded a large grant for a five-year study to improve outcomes for women with gestational diabetes. RNSH obstetrician and Sydney University lecturer Dr Tanya Nippita
(pictured centre left) will lead the research project involving a broad multidisciplinary team.
Dr Nippita said the project will develop further evidence-based educational resources to guide the timing of birth for these women with high risk pregnancies. “Importantly, this will help reduce unnecessary monitoring, maternal anxiety and obstetric intervention.” Clinical pharmacologist and geriatrician Professor Sarah Hilmer (pictured centre right) will also be focusing on aged care through her research into the best use of medications by frail older people. The Kolling researcher and her team have developed a toolkit for clinicians to guide the safe and effective use of medicines for older people in hospital and after discharge. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with a team of national and international experts to evaluate our tools to improve outcomes from medicines in older patients,” she said. Professor Sue Kurrle (pictured right), who is based at Hornsby Hospital, will continue her valuable work with the NHMRC grant to fund the FORTRESS study. It will look to identify frail older people in hospital, so that their treatment can be continued with their general practitioners once they’re out of hospital.
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