Paediatric research, a collaborative medical research and innovation hub, robotic bronchoscopy for patients with lung cancer, medical computing infrastructure and a digital program to validate work in Western Australia's public healthcare system have received funding from the State Government.
Five health initiatives affiliated with The University of Western Australia received funding from the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund through the Enabling Scheme and the Research and Innovation Capacity and Capability Building Program.
The Enabling Scheme provides co‑funding for essential infrastructure such as lab fit‑outs and advanced computing, so researchers and clinicians have the tools they need to deliver the best care in WA.
Associate Professor Belinda Hales, from UWA’s Medical School and The Kids Research Institute Australia, received $1.25 million through the Enabling Scheme to replace vital sterilisation equipment to enable important paediatric research to continue.
Professor Kevin Pfleger, Director Biomedical and Health Innovation at UWA and the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, received $1 million to establish the Westside collaboration space.
The hub at the QEII medical campus will bring together researchers, clinicians, industry and consumers to drive collaborative health and medical research and innovation.
“This initiative is a collaborative effort led by UWA and the Harry Perkins Institute, with support from major health and research organisations across QEII and beyond," Professor Pfleger said.
"It will strengthen WA’s position as a leader in health and medical research and innovation, attract new research investment, enhance the State’s ability to attract and retain top talent, and support the translation of discoveries into improved healthcare.”
Professor Rajesh Thomas, from UWA Medical School and North Metropolitan Health Service, received $1.25 million to establish the first integrated clinical, research and training program in robotic bronchoscopy in WA for patients with lung cancer.
Professor Girish Dwivedi, from UWA’s Medical School and Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes Program at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, received $536,153 to transform medical discovery with next-generation high-performance computing infrastructure for accelerated translational research.
The Research and Innovation Capacity and Capability Building Program invests in workforce, training, mentoring, expert reviews and support services.
“With this computing platform, researchers can accelerate discoveries and transform them into medical breakthroughs for patients,” Professor Dwivedi said.
Professor Dwivedi received almost $1.2 million through the program to establish HealthReady.
The South Metropolitan Health Service initiative will support health and medical innovators to introduce, test and validate innovations within WA's public healthcare system.