Healthcare fellowships awarded to researchers at The University of Western Australia will support new fathers living in regional communities and improve health outcomes for older First Nations people.

The three-year Early-to-Mid Career Research Fellowships are jointly funded by the State Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund and The Hospital Research Foundation Group as part of a partnership announced in November 2024.

Lianne Gilchrist, from UWA’s Medical School, received a fellowship to improve health assessments for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“This project will develop culturally safe guidelines to help healthcare workers improve health and wellbeing checks for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Gilchrist said.

“The guidelines will make sure assessments are culturally respectful and trauma-informed, helping to improve trust, care and health outcomes.”

Dr Vincent Mancini, from UWA’s Medical School and The Kids Research Institute, received a fellowship to help dads from regional communities stay connected while their babies are in neonatal intensive care units.

“When babies from regional WA are born early or with serious health issues, they are often rushed to Perth for care in a neonatal intensive care unit,” Dr Mancini said.

“This sudden move can be incredibly stressful for families, including fathers who may be caring for other siblings and not able to be with their newborn at this critical time.”

The project will co-design new support systems to help regional fathers stay involved in their baby’s care, reducing stress and improving family wellbeing during a difficult time.

The inaugural fellowships were awarded after a competitive application process under the theme Preventive Health for Priority Populations.