The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has announced a combined investment exceeding $9 million to advance collaborative health and medical research partnerships. Of this, $4 million is provided through NHMRC’s Partnership Project scheme, complemented by $5 million in co-investment from funding partners. Three lead investigators and their research teams will work closely with partner organisations to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of health services across Australia.
One of the funded initiatives, led by Professor Asha Bowen from the University of Western Australia, focuses on improving skin health among Aboriginal children. These children often experience skin conditions that can lead to bacterial infections and serious illness. Through collaboration with Aboriginal Elders, community members, and health services, the project will establish an Aboriginal health practitioner-led assessment and care model. This community-driven approach aims to improve early detection, treatment, and prevention of skin conditions, ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of Aboriginal children across Western Australia.
Another project, led by Professor Tracy Reibel from Murdoch University, seeks to address persistent inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes for Aboriginal women. The project will co-design culturally safe maternity and child health services with community input, ensuring Aboriginal women and their families receive appropriate and respectful care. By partnering with regional health services, the study aims to create long-term systems change that promotes health equity and improves outcomes for hundreds of Aboriginal families each year.
The NHMRC’s Partnership Project scheme is designed to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice by supporting collaborative initiatives that translate evidence into real-world impact. NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh emphasized that these projects highlight the power of partnerships in achieving meaningful health outcomes and policy improvements. Both Professors Bowen and Reibel underscored the importance of Aboriginal leadership, community collaboration, and culturally grounded approaches to achieving lasting change in health care delivery.
