$4 million to enhance child health and personalised medicine in WA

• State Government partnerships launch two new FHRI Fund research programs
• Programs to deliver focused research towards child health and precision medicine

The State Government has partnered with prominent research organisations and is investing more than $4 million towards researchers seeking to improve child health and personalised medicine in Western Australia.

Two new programs under the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund are now available, aimed at bolstering medical research in Western Australia through strategic co-funding partnerships.

The Early Career Child Health Research Fellowships and the Innovative Research in Precision Medicine Program will deliver over $4 million in funding collectively to support local researchers.

The Early Career Child Health Research Fellowships program is a continuing partnership between the FHRI Fund, BrightSpark Foundation, and Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, aiming to foster the next generation of leaders in paediatric research by supporting those early in their careers.

A previous recipient of the child health fellowship, Dr Brittany Dewdney, is currently undertaking ground-breaking research to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with brain cancer.

Precision medicine is an approach to healthcare, shaping medical treatment to an individual's personal needs.

The Innovative Research in Precision Medicine Program is delivered in collaboration with The Hospital Research Foundation Group and will support cutting-edge research into tailored treatments for conditions such as, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative conditions.

The two new programs are now open for applications. Further information can be found at fhrifund.health.wa.gov.au/Funding/Current-opportunities

Comments attributed to Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:

"These new initiatives are another clear demonstration of the Cook Government's commitment to strengthening WA's position as a world-leader in health and medical research.

"Our government is working to ensure all Western Australians can get access to quality healthcare, and these programs sow the seeds for medical breakthroughs in the future.

"By working with highly respected research organisations, we are delivering real opportunities for WA researchers to advance discoveries that directly benefit our community.

"This is about investing in people, partnerships and ideas that will shape the future of health care in this State."