HCF unveils recipients of $1.72 million research grants

The HCF Research Foundation has revealed the six recipients of its 2023 Translational Research Grants totalling $1.72 million.

The funding will help the recipients conduct research into significant health and wellbeing issues in the ageing population by analysing research findings to develop practical solutions with healthcare providers.

“Our TRG scheme focuses on responding to key issues within healthcare communities and enabling providers to implement innovative research into their settings,” said Dr Chris Pettigrew, head of the HCF Research Foundation. “The scheme takes research findings and puts them into practice – having a direct impact on health outcomes.”

“By taking traditional research into real-world scenarios, our grants initiative aims to make a significant impact on the quality of healthcare treatments and services in Australia.

“We're committed to helping researchers deliver better patient outcomes, improved experiences, and deliver more cost-effective health services for both patients and providers.”

Translational Research Grants recipients for 2023

The six recipients of this year's HCF Research Foundation Translational Research Grants include:

• Dr Caroline Nicholson, Mater Research Institute/University of Queensland: Identification and provision of management support for people at risk of frailty in general practice to reduce potentially preventable hospitalisations;
• Dr Jacqueline Francis-Coad, University of Western Australia: Enabling functional independence at home – training support workers to deliver a fall prevention program to frail, older adults;
• Simon Davidson, HNELHD/University of Newcastle: HeLP (a Healthy Lifestyle program for Pain) for older people with musculoskeletal conditions and comorbid chronic disease risks;
• Dr Kimberly Van Schooten, NeuRA/UNSW: StandingTall eHealth balance exercise to foster mobility and prevent falls in older people receiving home care;
• Prof Josephine Chow, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research: Implementing and evaluating an integrative palliative care model for older people in the community who wish to die at home; and
• Dr Kristy Robson, Charles Sturt University: Age Well@Home program for rural Australian's focusing on simultaneously improving the physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing of older people who are motivated to remain living at home.

Over 22 years, the HCF Research Foundation has invested over $28.5 million in research. In August 2022, the foundation funded its first round of health research projects to make significant impacts on delivering quality healthcare.