Member Grant recipients

State VIC
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $50,000
Project Title A Hybrid Human-Artificial Intelligence (AI) System for Early Foetal Asphyxia Detection in labour 

Project Summary
Fetal asphyxia - when a baby does not receive enough oxygen during labour, is a major cause of stillbirth, brain injury, and long-term disability. Although clinicians routinely monitor fetal heart rate using CTG, interpretation is difficult, and early signs of distress are often missed. This can lead to both avoidable harm and unnecessary interventions.

The research team have developed a new AI system that significantly improves early detection of fetal asphyxia, outperforming clinicians and existing software in initial testing by up to 27%. This project will further validate the model using independent Australian datasets, ensuring it performs reliably across different hospitals and birth settings.

Trained on more than 32,000 CTG recordings linked to confirmed clinical outcomes, the model analyses raw CTG signals alongside key maternal and labour data. Its hybrid machine learning–deep learning design allows it to identify subtle patterns even in real-world, noisy conditions. Importantly, the system is fully explainable: clinicians can see which features informed the AI’s assessment, supporting trust, oversight, and shared decision-making with women in labour.

By offering earlier warnings when a baby may be at risk, and reducing false alarms when they are not, the tool has the potential to improve birth outcomes and reduce unnecessary caesareans. At project completion, the team will deliver a validated, explainable AI model ready for integration into CTG monitors, designed to support clinicians and enhance safe, informed maternity care.

State VIC
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $50,000
Project Title Equity and Access in Voluntary Assisted Dying: Who are the patients, what are their experiences and who is missing? 

Project Summary
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is now legal across Australia, yet little is known about who is accessing it, how people experience the process, and whether the system is equitable. Early evidence suggests that some groups—such as First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, young people, and those in rural and regional areas—may be underrepresented or face additional barriers.

This project will investigate equity and access in VAD using a mixed-methods approach. National data from VAD Review Boards will be analysed to understand patterns of use across geography, diagnoses, and demographic groups. Alongside this, in-depth interviews will be conducted with Victorian patients and carers who have been involved in the VAD process, with deliberate recruitment of participants from traditionally underserved populations.

By combining these datasets, the project will identify where inequities exist and how the implementation of VAD can be improved to ensure quality, safety, and cultural responsiveness. The findings may also inform recommendations for enhanced national data collection to better monitor and evaluate VAD through an equity lens.

State WA
Member Type Pre Vocational
Grant $50,000
Project Title Implementation of artificial intelligence-enabled diabetic retinopathy screening in Australian Primary Care: a mixed-methods study

Project Summary

Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness among working-aged adults, disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter respectfully referred to as Indigenous) populations and people in regional Australia. Access to regular eye screening remains low, especially in rural and remote areas, contributing to significant health inequities.

Our research will explore whether artificial intelligence (AI) can improve access to and quality of diabetic eye screening in Australian primary care. Conducted across four clinics in rural and metropolitan Western Australia - including Aboriginal Medical Services in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions - we will evaluate a validated AI algorithm in real-world primary care settings.

The project has two parts:

Pre-implementation qualitative study: Interviews with Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients, healthcare workers, and policymakers will identify complexities, challenges and opportunities for AI-assisted diabetic eye screening in primary care. Findings will inform the co-design of a safe, effective process model for the implementation of AI in primary care clinics.

Pilot deployment: The AI tool will be used to screen patients for diabetic eye disease in Australian primary care settings. Outcomes will include referral follow-up rates, proportion of ungradable images, and the real-world diagnostic accuracy of AI compared with expert graders (ophthalmologists).

This research will generate important evidence to support the wider rollout of AI-assisted diabetic eye screening, particularly in rural and remote areas of Australia. It will also inform advocacy for enhanced Medicare billing to expand access to, and provision of, diabetic eye screening in primary care. Ultimately, the project aims to reduce vision loss, address inequities in eye care, and strengthen healthcare delivery for Indigenous and rural populations within Australia.

State QLD
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $50,000
Project Title DrumBeat.ai: Artificial intelligence to triage ear disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote Australia 

Project Summary
DrumBeat.ai is an innovative initiative launched in 2019 by a team of clinicians and researchers from New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. The project aims to address the disproportionately high burden of ear disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children—who experience some of the highest rates of otitis media and associated hearing loss in the world. These conditions, if left untreated, can lead to long-term impacts on speech and language development, academic achievement, and employment opportunities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.

The DrumBeat.ai team developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of analysing digital otoscopic images to detect signs of common ear conditions, including acute and chronic otitis media, otitis media with effusion (OME or “glue ear”), and wax obstruction. This AI system was trained on a large dataset of over 10,000 eardrum images collected through telehealth programs, collected from more than 4,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across over 100 communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland. These images were reviewed by ENT specialists as per telehealth assessments. Images were aligned with the correct clinical labels and sampling errors were addressed, revalidating diagnoses to create a reliable dataset for training.

The aim of DrumBeat.ai is to support local health workers in remote communities to evaluate ears using digital video otoscopes connected to a laptop or web-based platform to capture ear images. DrumBeat.ai can then be used to analyse the image and indicates whether the ear appears healthy or requires specialist review. This allows for faster triage, earlier intervention, and clear, personalised communication with families—enhancing trust and local engagement. Initial trials of the model have demonstrated strong performance, with accuracy rates of 99% for acute infections, 96% for chronic otitis media, 78% for OME, and 98% for wax or obstruction.

To date, the progress of DrumBeat.ai has been underpinned by long-term partnerships with Aboriginal health organisations and a commitment to culturally safe and community-driven implementation. The project has now progressed to real-world trials in hospitals and remote clinics across Australia and New Zealand, to assess the usefulness and acceptance of the AI tool among healthcare workers and its impact on patient, parent/guardian, and community understanding of ear disease and hearing loss. Over the next two years, the team aims to further evaluate the system’s impact on early detection and management of ear disease, contributing to improved health equity and life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This project will evaluate DrumBeat.ai in real-world primary care settings through a randomised controlled trial, comparing standard care alone with care supported by the AI tool. The study aims to recruit 650 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children attending routine ear and hearing assessments across rural, remote, and urban clinics in Western Australia and Queensland.

By enhancing early detection, improving triage, and supporting point-of-care decision-making, DrumBeat.ai has the potential to increase efficiency, reduce misdiagnoses, and inform state and national ear disease screening programs. Successful widespread use has the potential to significantly reduce the current unacceptably high burden of ear disease in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, thereby helping to “close-the-gap” on this intractable public health crisis.

State NSW
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $50,000
Project Title PMC E-Module Project – Complex communication education online

Project Summary

State NSW
Member Type Accredited trainee
Grant $50,000
Project Title Improving cardiorenal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: real-world implementation and population-level impact of SLGT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists 

Project Summary

State VIC
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $50,000
Project Title Haemodynamic and metabolic determinants of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in obesity 

Project Summary

State QLD
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title ACE-AI: Accuracy, Comprehensiveness, and Efficiency of AI Medical Scribes in Mental Health Consultations

Project Summary

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title REVEAL-SCLC - REVolutionising Early detection and Assessment through Liquid biopsy in SCLC 

Project Summary
REVEAL-SCLC is a precision oncology project aiming to transform the care of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), one of the most aggressive and lethal solid tumours. While immunotherapy has modestly improved outcomes, survival remains poor and clinicians still lack reliable biomarkers to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from treatment. This gap limits the delivery of personalised care in a cancer type where treatment decisions must often be made quickly.

To address this need, REVEAL-SCLC will investigate blood-based biomarkers that can predict response or resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study will recruit real-world ES-SCLC patients beginning immunotherapy-based treatment across hospitals in Liverpool, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Nepean and Wollongong. Blood samples collected at baseline and during treatment will undergo comprehensive liquid biopsy analysis, including circulating tumour cell profiling and advanced multiplexed proteomic testing. These molecular signatures will then be correlated with clinical outcomes to identify patterns linked to treatment response.

Liquid biopsy plays a critical role in this research. For many SCLC patients, solid tissue biopsies are difficult or unsafe to obtain due to rapid disease progression, inaccessible tumour sites, or insufficient viable tissue. Blood-based testing offers a minimally invasive, repeatable alternative capable of providing real-time insights into tumour biology and monitoring treatment dynamics.

The study design is intentionally pragmatic, drawing on the higher-than-average SCLC caseload within the participating hospitals, which serve populations with elevated smoking rates and a high burden of lung cancer. Over 12 months, the project aims to recruit ten patients, each contributing samples at two key time points.

By identifying meaningful predictive biomarkers, REVEAL-SCLC has the potential to lay the foundation for a more personalised treatment pathway for SCLC—ensuring patients receive the therapies most likely to benefit them, while avoiding unnecessary toxicity. In one of the most challenging and lethal cancers, this research offers a path toward smarter, more targeted and more effective care.

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title Co designing “future care planning” for young people with disability transitioning from paediatric to adult care 

Project Summary
This project is focused on improving “future care planning” (FCP) for young people with disability as they move from paediatric to adult healthcare - a transition often marked by communication challenges, shifting responsibilities, and gaps in coordinated support. Current FCP frameworks are adapted from adult advance care planning and do not adequately reflect the developmental needs, lived experiences, or decision-making preferences of young people with disability. As a result, they can overlook the role of trusted supporters, overemphasise physical independence, and fail to address what matters most to young people and their families.

To create a more appropriate and inclusive approach, this project partners directly with young people with disability through the Victorian Respiratory Support Service (VRSS). Six young people (with carers or communication partners if they choose) will take part in a series of eight co-design workshops. These sessions will explore their experiences, identify barriers to meaningful future care conversations, and shape a model that reflects their values, deciding what FCP should involve, when and where it should occur, and who should participate.

The outcome will be a co-designed FCP program tailored specifically for young people with disability transitioning to adult care. This model aims to support clearer, more empowering discussions between young people and their healthcare providers. The findings will be shared with both clinical and community audiences, and the program will later be piloted in shared transition clinics run by the Royal Children’s Hospital and VRSS.

State NSW
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $25,000
Project Title Multifocal Lenses in diseased eyes: Granting Spectacle Independence to Patients with Ocular comorbidities through Cataract Surgery 

Project Summary
This research project aims to evaluate whether multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), which help enable people to see at various distances without the use of glasses, should be used in patients undergoing cataract surgery who have other diseases affecting their eyes. At present, ophthalmologists fear implanting these lenses in patients with co-existing eye diseases for fear of worsening their vision with these special multifocal lenses. This project aims to first systematically review the existing body of evidence for this common practice, before assessing whether these lenses lead to better or worse visual outcomes and satisfaction in the patients in whom we implant these lenses during cataract surgery. Ultimately, we seek to generate pre-operative selection criteria which appropriately guides those patients most likely to benefit from multifocal lens implantation before the surgery, to optimise outcomes after cataract surgery.

State VIC
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $25,000
Project Title Surgical management of infective endocarditis in children 

Project Summary

State NSW
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Experiences of an Australian Tertiary Referral Centre with Rituximab for the Management of Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus 

Project Summary
Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) and Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) are rare but serious autoimmune blistering diseases characterised by painful skin and mucosal blistering and erosions, significant discomfort, and marked impairment in quality of life. If left untreated, they can also lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Rituximab (an antibody treatment that targets B cells) has become a key therapy for moderate to severe disease, but real-world Australian data on its effectiveness and safety remain limited and therefore it is not routinely used as a first line agent.

This study evaluates the use of rituximab in patients with PV and PF treated at a major tertiary dermatology referral centre in Sydney. Through a retrospective review of medical records from 2018 to 2025, the project will analyse patient characteristics, treatment regimens, clinical responses, and any adverse events.

By capturing real-world treatment patterns and outcomes, this research will provide valuable insights into how rituximab performs in Australian clinical practice. The findings will help guide future treatment decisions, support the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines, and improve care for people living with pemphigus.

State WA
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title "Evaluating the Impact of Noise-Cancellation Headphones on Sleep Quality and patient satisfaction in Older Adults in the Emergency Department”

Project Summary 

This study aims to evaluate whether noise-cancelling headphones improve the experience of older adults in the ED by improving sleep quality, enhancing comfort and patient satisfaction. An implementation feasibility study will be conducted to compare older adults wearing noise-cancelling headphones compared to a control group. Expected outcomes include enhanced sleep quality, increased patient and staff satisfaction, improved overall comfort during their stay in the ED and potential improvement in clinical outcomes.

State SA
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title  Orbital neuroradiology of giant cell arteritis: A comprehensive analysis 

Project Summary

State VIC
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Harnessing the power of big data to better understand heart disease in patients undergoing liver transplantation. 

Project Summary

This project aims to improve our understanding of heart disease in people with advanced liver cirrhosis, a condition that causes scarring and inflammation of the liver. Heart disease is the leading cause of disability and death in these patients. By using big data from the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit, this project will track the health of individuals with end stage liver failure as they undergo transplantation and will examine their rates of heart disease and the effects on survival. Key objectives include measuring the frequency of heart disease and assessing the impact of this on hospital stays and mortality following transplantation. The goal is to improve our ability to detect and treat heart disease in these at-risk patients, enhancing their quality of life and survival rates.

State NSW
Member Type Accredited trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Building the future of surgical scholars: Establishing a dedicated program to promote surgical research and education in Southwest Sydney 

Project Summary
This project establishes a dedicated surgical research and education program across South-West Sydney, home to some of New South Wales’s busiest hospitals, including Liverpool and Campbelltown. Through the Innovation, Surgical Teaching and Research (I-STAR) unit, we aim to foster a culture of research, surgical training, and academic engagement for medical students and junior doctors from the start of their clinical careers.

The program provides structured workshops on research skills—covering study design, ethics, data analysis, and academic writing—alongside hands-on surgical education and technical skills sessions. It further aims to promote collaboration across specialties such as general surgery, colorectal, breast, plastic surgery and gynaecology with the initiative encouraging multidisciplinary projects to strengthen the regional research community.

Supported by a microgrant, the project will fund our research and education website, regular research nights, ethics workshops, and surgical simulation resources. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to build a sustainable research hub that attracts and develops future surgical leaders, integrates research into clinical practice, and improves patient outcomes across South-West Sydney.

State NSW
Member Type Accredited trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Career development- Advanced Procedural Training Program via RANZCOG 

Project Summary
Dr Molly Cookson is applying for support to undertake the Advanced Procedural Training Program (APTP) through RANZCOG as part of her pathway to becoming a Rural Generalist GP Obstetrician. Based in Echuca–Moama and working across the Loddon Mallee region, she has consistently invested in her own training—completing BLS, ALS1/2, the ACEM Emergency Certificate, and attending Rural Doctors Victoria conferences, all at her own expense. Her clinical experience spans Emergency, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, HDU and Anaesthetics, giving her a comprehensive understanding of Echuca Regional Health (ERH) and its service needs.

Dr Cookson has identified a critical workforce gap: despite rising birth numbers and ERH’s progression toward Level 4 maternity status, there are currently no local GP Obstetricians in training to support the region’s future maternity care. By completing the APTP, she aims to fill this gap and provide long-term, community-based obstetric, emergency, medical and primary care.

She is deeply embedded in the local community—newly married to a local farmer, active in community groups, sporting clubs, volunteer roles and fundraising events—and is committed to remaining in the region. Completing the APTP will significantly expand her scope of practice, enable continuity of care across community and hospital settings, and contribute to improved patient outcomes in a rural area with growing demand.

State NSW
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Time to analgesia in the ED: A retrospective audit of pain assessment and management practices at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital 

Project Summary
Pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency department presentations, yet many patients do not receive analgesia within the recommended 30 minutes of arrival. At Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital (BLH), delays may be linked to inconsistent documentation of pain scores and reliance on medical staff to initiate analgesia. Nurse-initiated analgesia (NIA), used successfully at other institutions, may offer a solution.

This project will conduct a retrospective audit of patients presenting with pain over a three-month period to evaluate current triage and pain management practices.

The audit will assess:

• How often pain scores are documented at triage
• Time to analgesia (TTA) across patient groups
• The frequency and impact of nurse-initiated analgesia
• Factors associated with delays, including demographics and clinical characteristics

Data extracted from electronic records will include presenting complaint, triage category, pain scores, timing and type of analgesia, and whether treatment was initiated by nursing or medical staff.

The findings will identify gaps in current practice and opportunities for improvement, such as strengthening triage documentation, refining protocols and expanding NIA. Given the limited research in medium-sized hospitals like BLH, this study may provide valuable insights to support local quality improvement.

Support from the Avant Foundation will enable appropriate guidance, statistical support and opportunities for dissemination, helping transform an intern-led audit into meaningful service improvements in timely and equitable pain care.

State NSW
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title The multifaceted impact of living in a rural community on transgender and gender diverse individual’s health and wellbeing.

Project Summary
Health inequality remains a major issue in Australia, particularly for transgender and gender diverse people and for those living in rural and regional areas. This PhD project explores how living in a rural community shapes the health, wellbeing, and daily experiences of transgender and gender diverse people in NSW.

The study examines key factors such as stigma, discrimination, access to healthcare, and overall health outcomes. It also considers how rural life— for example whether through distance from services or the benefits of close-knit communities—can affect support and care.

Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, the project will gather insights from transgender and gender diverse people as well as rural pharmacists, doctors, outreach workers, teachers, and community leaders. Interview data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

The findings will provide evidence grounded in lived experience to inform health professionals and policy makers. By identifying the barriers and enablers that exist in rural and remote settings, this research will help improve access to health services and enhance the cultural competence of services such as pharmacies, prescribing doctors, social work, and psychological support.

Ultimately, this project aims to strengthen the health and wellbeing of transgender and gender diverse people living in rural NSW by informing more inclusive and accessible health care and social support.

State VIC
Member Type Accredited trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Association of Breast Arterial Calcification with Cardiovascular Risk 

Project Summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and current risk assessment tools often underestimate risk in women. Emerging evidence suggests that breast arterial calcification (BAC), a finding visible on routine screening mammograms, may be an underrecognised yet powerful marker of cardiovascular risk.

BAC is not currently reported in standard mammography assessments as it has no known association with breast cancer risk. However, its strong potential link to CVD offers an exciting opportunity: the ability to use a single, widely available test to assess both breast cancer and cardiovascular risk in women. With advances in artificial intelligence, deep-learning tools may further enhance the detection and quantification of BAC, making this marker more accurate and clinically applicable.

This project is conducting one of the largest studies of its kind, analysing approximately 500,000 mammograms from BreastScreen Victoria and linking them with national health outcome data. The study will assess how BAC relates to cardiovascular events and whether preventative treatments can reduce risk in women who have BAC detected on imaging.

Ultimately, this research aims to transform routine breast screening into a dual-purpose tool, enabling earlier identification of at-risk women and improving long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

State QLD
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Evaluating Patterns of Testosterone Prescribing Practices in Regional Australia: A Retrospective Observational Study 

Project Summary
This project investigates how testosterone therapy is prescribed and monitored in a regional Australian setting, addressing a major gap in current research which has largely focused on metropolitan areas. Testosterone replacement therapy is a key management option for patients with proven hypogonadism, however it contains important clinical risks and must be prescribed in according with national best practice guidelines.

Using ten years of data from Mackay Base Hospital, this study will explore the types of patients being prescribed testosterone therapy, whether they met diagnostic criteria, the types of testosterone used, and whether appropriate follow-up and monitoring were performed. By assessing real-world prescribing patterns, this project aims to identify the strengths of current practice and any areas for improvement in service delivery.

The findings will ultimately aim to support safer, consistent prescribing, help reduce non-indicated treatments and improve long-term outcomes for patients. This research will help guide local quality improvement initiatives and may inform broader training and policy development to ensure regional communities receive care that is consistent with national standards.

State NSW
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Beyond Vision Loss: Capturing the Real-World Cost of Eye Trauma in Manual Labour 

Project Summary
Penetrating eye injuries are a preventable yet life-changing cause of vision loss, particularly among manual labourers in industries such as construction, agriculture, landscaping, and the trades. These injuries can result in long-term disability, significant loss of income, and extended time away from work, creating substantial personal, economic, and healthcare burdens.

Despite their importance, there is limited long-term regional Australian data describing the patterns, management, and outcomes of these injuries.

Dr Clare Maher’s project addresses this gap by establishing a comprehensive 20-year databank of penetrating eye injuries presenting to a major regional tertiary trauma centre in New South Wales. The dataset will capture detailed information on:

• Mechanism of injury
• Severity and anatomical extent of trauma
• Initial and definitive management
• Short- and long-term visual and functional outcomes

Building this long-term dataset will provide valuable insights into trends in ocular trauma and guide future prevention, resource planning, and clinical decision-making.

In future stages of the project, the aim is to expand this work by capturing the real-world financial cost of eye trauma in manual labour, including lost income, healthcare utilisation, and broader socioeconomic impacts. In the long term, the findings may lay the groundwork for a state-wide injury registry to better track, prevent, and respond to occupational eye injuries across New South Wales.

State QLD
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Penile Cancer: Improving Outcomes Guidance in Cancer Survivorship

Project Summary
Penile cancer is a rare but serious genitourinary malignancy, affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 men worldwide. Despite its low incidence, the disease can have a profound impact—from the challenges of diagnosis to the long-term effects of treatment, including significant psychological distress.

Management of penile cancer varies widely and may involve organ-sparing or radical surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Different treatment modalities are often associated with various impact on cancer survival, sexual function, urinary outcomes, and overall quality of life.

Current evidence on oncological and psychosocial outcomes remains limited, fragmented, and inconsistent across treatment types, making it difficult to establish clear best-practice guidelines.

This project aims to address these gaps through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, bringing together the best available data to guide clinical decision-making. By synthesising outcomes across studies, the project seeks to:

• Clarify the benefits and risks of current treatment approaches
• Minimise treatment-related harm
• Support informed decision-making for both clinicians and patients
• Improve overall survival and quality of life for people affected by penile cancer

Ultimately, this project aims to strengthen the evidence base and improve care for individuals living with or beyond penile cancer.

State SA
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title Identification of Macrotroponin I in patients referred to a private pathology practice 

Project Summary
Troponin I is a key biomarker used to assess cardiac injury and is frequently requested by primary care clinicians when evaluating patients with cardiac symptoms. However, current assays may be affected by Macrotroponin I, a complex formed when circulating troponin I binds to immunoglobulins. These large complexes accumulate in the bloodstream, causing falsely elevated troponin I results. Such spurious elevations often trigger urgent critical-value notifications and can lead to unnecessary hospital admissions, invasive testing, and significant patient anxiety. In extreme cases, this may result in procedures as invasive as cardiac biopsy.

Macrotroponin I can be removed through precipitation, allowing accurate measurement of native troponin I. By routinely investigating critically elevated troponin results for macrotroponin interference, laboratories can provide more reliable results and prevent unnecessary medical interventions.

Some studies report the prevalence of mactrotroponin I to be up to 20%.

Aim of the current study:

• Determine the prevalence of macrotroponin I in the cohort of patients referred to a private pathology practice for a troponin I assay. The cohort of patients will be from the community (ie general practice).
• Data such as patient demographics, any symptoms or signs recorded in the request form, ECG findings and other significant pathology will be collated.
• During the study the value of introducing a routine process to identify macrotroponin I for all troponin I requests will be assessed.

Routine identification of macrotroponin I offers multiple benefits:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy
• Avoidance of unnecessary hospital presentations and invasive procedures
• Reduced emotional and physical burden on patients
• Significant economic savings for the healthcare system
• Enhanced quality and reliability of laboratory services

State NSW
Member Type
Grant $5,000
Project Title A-a Gradient in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Pulmonary Embolus 

Project Summary
This study intends to describe changes in arterial-alveolar gradients, cardiac index and modified Borg dyspnoea scales before and after mechanical thrombectomy for pulmonary emboli. Acute pulmonary embolism remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death. Large bore mechanical thrombectomy is an evolving technology which has shown promising results in the treatment of acute intermediate-high and high risk PE. This is a single-centre pilot study with the aim of determining if these changes may act as useful parameters to guide prognostication and clinical decision making when using this relatively novel therapy.

State QLD
Member Type Pre-vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Health and Well-being Across Settlement Geographies: A Longitudinal Analysis of Refugee Health Trajectories in Rural and Urban Australia 

Project Summary

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Application of Proteomics in Paediatric Oncology 

Project Summary

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Using liquid brain biopsies to study dementia with Lewy bodies

Project Summary
This research aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a severe and often under-researched form of dementia. The study uses a groundbreaking approach by analysing brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in blood samples, which contain crucial information about brain activity. The project uses a novel technology, NEURO-NET, to capture these brain-derived EVs from blood, enabling a new way to track the disease’s progression. This research, employing advanced technologies like the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer and Illumina sequencing, aims to identify specific proteins and RNA markers for DLB progression. By profiling the disease over time, this method could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for DLB.

State SA
Member Type Student
Grant $50,000
Project Title A metagenomic machine learning model for diagnostic and prognostic classification of chronic rhinosinusitis

Project Summary
This project aims to develop a machine learning model to enhance diagnostic clarity and identify predictive markers of clinical outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common inflammatory disease, impacting the lives of 2 million Australians. CRS patients are among those most frequently subjected to repeated rounds of antibiotic treatments. With infection persistence and relapse, this is fertile ground for the development of potent antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This work will analyse microbiome samples from 532 patients across nine countries, comparing CRS patients to healthy individuals. The proposed model will be built using metagenomic data (generated by sequencing the bacteria in each patients’ sinus microbiome) and clinical information to inform predictions about CRS diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing the need for invasive tests. Ultimately, we hope to create a tool that helps doctors make more accurate decisions and improves quality of care for CRS patients, whilst simultaneously enabling enhanced surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in this at-risk patient group.

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Harnessing the power of big data to understand heart disease in scleroderma

Project Summary
This project aims to improve understanding of heart disease in people with scleroderma, a condition that causes scarring and inflammation in organs, with heart disease being a leading cause of early death. By using big data from the National Health Data Hub and the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, the project will track the health of individuals with scleroderma and compare their heart disease rates, treatments, and outcomes with those of the general population. Key objectives include identifying the frequency of heart conditions, analysing treatments used, and assessing the impact of heart disease on hospital stays and mortality. The goal is to improve early detection, treatment, and overall healthcare for people with scleroderma, enhancing their quality of life and survival rates. 

State NSW
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $50,000
Project Title Dual mobility versus conventional total hip arthroplasty in femoral neck fractures, a registry-nested, open-label, cluster-randomised crossover trial (DISTINCT)

Project Summary
The DISTINCT study compares two types of hip replacements – dual mobility and conventional – specifically for older adults with fractured hips. Every year, around 20,000 Australians suffer hip fractures, requiring surgery to reduce pain and restore mobility. While traditional hip replacements are successful, about 10% of patients experience dislocations, which leaves the patient temporarily unable to walk. Dual mobility hip replacements are designed to increase hip range of motion and reduce dislocation risk, but their effectiveness is still unclear, and they are more expensive than conventional replacements. The study, involving over 2,500 patients across 50 hospitals, aims to compare the dislocation rates of both types of hip replacements via a randomised trial run by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). By linking trial data with hospital records, the study will provide valuable insights into which hip replacement is more effective in preventing dislocations, ultimately helping improve treatment decisions and reducing healthcare costs. 

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Measuring Outcomes Beyond Disease (MOBY-D): Incorporating patient reported outcomes in epilepsy care through a consumer co-designed approach

Project Summary
This study aims to improve epilepsy care by integrating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) into routine management to address mental health issues (like anxiety and depression) and medication side effects, which are common in people with epilepsy. Despite being recommended by international guidelines.  PROMs are underused in epilepsy clinics. The study will proceed in five stages: 

1. Understand current use of PROMs by reviewing guidelines and surveying clinics. 
2. Engage stakeholders (clinicians and patients) to gather insights and preferences. 
3. Select appropriate PROMs, developing both paper and digital versions. 
4. Evaluate the impact of PROMs on patient care, including medication adjustments and mental health referrals. 
5. Develop guidelines for wider adoption of PROMs in epilepsy care. 

The goal is to improve care by addressing not only seizures but also mental health and medication challenges that people with epilepsy may face, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. 

State VIC
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $50,000
Project Title SCARCE: a Cohort Study of Autoimmune and Rare diseases and Complications of the Eye

Project Summary

The SCARCE Study focuses on understanding autoimmune and rare diseases affecting the eye, specifically non-infectious uveitis (NIU), a condition causing eye inflammation linked to autoimmune diseases. NIU can lead to preventable blindness, long-term vision loss, and broader health issues. The study is conducted at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where experts treat over 1,500 patients annually. It aims to explore the impact of NIU beyond eye health, tracking patient vision, disease progression, treatments, and complications. Key goals include evaluating treatments, identifying risks, improving care, building a biobank, and using real-world data to advance research. Ultimately, the study seeks to optimise treatments and improve patient outcomes.

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $50,000
Project Title Evidence based prescribing for the empirical treatment of blood pressure and cholesterol

Project Summary
This project aims to improve treatment for high blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Currently, many patients fail to reach their target levels due to ineffective treatments and "therapeutic inertia," where doctors don't adjust treatment despite high-risk levels. The project proposes an evidence-based approach using data from clinical trials to guide medication choices instead of relying on trial and error. A clinical support tool has been developed to predict how different treatments will affect BP and cholesterol levels. The project will test this method in Australia to evaluate its effectiveness, safety, and patient and clinician satisfaction. If successful, this approach could streamline treatment and improve health outcomes for patients. 

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title Community, Country, and Cognition: Place-based healthy brain ageing for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Project Summary
This project explores how living in urban compared to rural areas affects brain health and dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These communities are more likely to experience dementia at a younger age, but the impact of different environments on brain ageing is not well understood. The research aims to gather insights from community members and healthcare professionals about the challenges and strengths associated with brain health, particularly in rural and remote regions where healthcare resources are limited. Initial findings from a pilot project in New South Wales revealed challenges such as a lack of local dementia knowledge and services and culturally safe care as well as limited understanding of brain health. The next phase will compare these experiences with those of people living in metropolitan areas. Ultimately, the project seeks to identify local strengths, such as connection to Community and Culture, to support healthy brain ageing and inform locally tailored policies and programs for dementia prevention and care. 

State NSW
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $25,000
Project Title Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in New South Wales: A mixed methods study of implementation processes, stakeholder experiences, and program impact

Project Summary
This study evaluates the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in New South Wales (NSW), focusing on its effectiveness and the perceptions of those involved, including healthcare workers, patients, and those who implemented the system. NSW introduced SafeScript in 2021-2022 to track high-risk prescriptions (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and gabapentinoids) to reduce misuse, addiction, and overdose. While international studies on PDMPs have shown mixed results, there is limited research on its impact in Australia. The study aims to assess the program's effectiveness in improving safety and outcomes, providing insights to optimise the system and minimise any negative effects in the future.

State VIC
Member Type New fellow
Grant $25,000
Project Title Enhancing relationship-centred complex decision-making

Project Summary
The research focuses on enhancing relationship-centred care in paediatric settings, particularly when making difficult decisions about life-prolonging treatments for children with life-limiting conditions. It emphasises the importance of strong relationships between parents and doctors, as this improves decision-making and parent satisfaction. The study will involve bereaved parents, who will participate in interviews or focus groups after watching video simulations of clinical discussions about intensive care and follow-up appointments. Parents will reflect on the communication they observed and how it influenced their own experiences. The research aims to identify key elements that strengthen the doctor-family relationship, and later stages will evaluate the impact on treatment practices and patient care. The goal is to develop national guidelines for integrating relationship-centred care into paediatric practices in Australia, ensuring more compassionate and informed decision-making for families.

State QLD
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $25,000
Project Title Personalised prediction of serious and common antipsychotic side effects with genetics and big data

Project Summary
This research aims to predict which individuals are more likely to experience side effects from antipsychotic medications using genetic information. Antipsychotics are the bedrock of treatment for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder, but often cause severe side effects such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurological issues. These side effects significantly reduce a person’s quality of life and are a barrier to medication adherence. The project will use data from the UK Biobank – which includes genetic and health data from over 2,500 individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder – to explore how genetics and medication interact to predict side effects. This could help doctors make more personalised treatment decisions that reduce risks and improve patient outcomes. 

State NSW
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Perioperative Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients - A Nationwide Study

Project Summary
Kidney transplantation is the only long-term treatment option for people with end-stage kidney failure on dialysis. While unexpected deaths around the time of transplantation (known as "perioperative mortality") are rare, there has not been any research into factors leading to these deaths and how they could be prevented. This study will be the first to analyse data from a national Australian audit that tracks deaths related to organ transplantation. It will focus on data collected over 10 years from the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM) to identify the factors contributing to preventable deaths in patients receiving kidney or kidney-pancreas transplants. The findings of this study should provide useful insights into ways to improve surgical care and outcomes for kidney transplant patients in Australia.

State NSW
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Targeted versus empiric perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients colonised with multi-drug resistant organisms and the risk of postoperative multidrug resistant infections

Project Summary
This project aims to improve antibiotic use during organ transplant surgeries to reduce the risk of superbug infections, which are a major cause of death and complications in transplant patients. Superbugs are resistant to many common antibiotics and are harder to treat, leading to higher costs and worse outcomes. The project will investigate whether using targeted antibiotics that specifically target superbugs during surgery – especially for patients already carrying these bacteria– can reduce infections post-surgery. Results from this study may help design future studies to better deliver antibiotic prophylaxis during transplant surgeries, improve patient safety, reduce costs, and combat antibiotic resistance.

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Towards the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia: reducing inequities in underserved populations through qualitative examination of the role of general practice in cervical cancer prevention pathways

Project Summary
This project focuses on reducing cervical cancer inequities in underserved populations in Australia, particularly culturally diverse communities. While cervical cancer is preventable through the HPV vaccine, cervical screening tests (CSTs), and follow-up care, some groups face barriers to accessing or engaging with these services, resulting in higher rates of under-screening and under-treatment. General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in prevention, and so this research will examine how GPs in New South Wales support culturally diverse women in accessing these services. By conducting interviews with GPs, the project aims to identify challenges in prevention, improve service delivery, and contribute to the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia. 

State QLD
Member Type Pre Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Awareness and knowledge of Australian junior doctors and medical students about hidradenitis suppurativa 

Project Summary

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term skin condition that causes boil-like, painful, recurring lumps, often in sensitive areas like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. It affects about 0.7% of people in Australia and is considered a serious health issue.

A group of medical students and junior doctors will take part in an online survey to test how much they already know about HS and how they prefer to study medical topics. The survey will ask about what causes HS, what it looks like, who gets it, risk factors, and basic treatments.

After completing the first survey, participants will receive an educational resource created by the research team to help them better understand HS. This material will be based on proven teaching methods. Four weeks later, the same group will take another survey to see if their knowledge has improved and how well they retained the information.

Participants will also be asked to give feedback on how helpful the resource was and whether similar tools should be used to learn about other skin conditions.

State VIC
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) School

Project Summary
The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) school is a 10-day intensive training program in sexual medicine and therapy, which took place from 15-24 November 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. The program, which offers certification, is designed for doctors currently working or training in sexual medicine. The course provides in-depth education on topics such as psychosexual health, sexual function and dysfunction, gender and sexuality, and genital dermatology. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from various specialties. As there is no formal sexual medicine training in Australia, attending this course is an important opportunity for professional development and for networking with global clinicians. This training is also a step toward obtaining the Fellowship of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine. 

State NSW
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title Factors affecting how Australian doctors view and use social media: a post-pandemic follow-up national survey

Project Summary Many doctors are unsure about how to interact with patients online due to legal and ethical concerns, even though there are guidelines on best practices. Studies done in 2014 and 2019 showed that most doctors used social media weekly, especially Facebook. By 2019, more doctors were using social media at work, but only a few spent over an hour a day on it.

Doctors had mixed views on online communication with patients. While many thought email was acceptable, few actually used it, and even fewer used social media for this purpose. More doctors had professional online profiles in 2019, but fewer provided digital information to patients. Many talked to patients about online health tools, though few discussed the downsides of internet use.

Doctors were often uncomfortable with patients finding their personal info online and more had received friend requests from patients—which they usually declined. More doctors were also looking up patients online, especially in serious situations, like after an overdose. These actions were influenced by unclear rules around digital conduct.

This new study will explore how Australian doctors’ attitudes and use of social media have changed since 2014 and 2019. It will survey a wide group of current doctors to examine their online behaviour, views on patient interaction, legal concerns, COVID-19's effects, and thoughts on new technologies like AI. Results will be compared with past surveys to spot trends over time.

State VIC
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Improving Quality of Treatments in Patients with Bladder Cancer at Monash Health

Project Summary
This project aims to create a detailed database of bladder cancer patients (around 6,000 people) who have been treated at Monash Health over the past 15 years. The purpose of this database is to collect information on how these patients were diagnosed and treated. By analysing this data, the goal is to find ways to improve bladder cancer treatments for future patients at Monash Health. In short, this project will help improve bladder cancer care at Monash Health by providing valuable insights into treatment methods, ultimately benefiting patients, and advancing research in this area.

State SA
Member Type Student
Grant $5,000
Project Title Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing of Performing an Intravitreal Injection in Australia

Project Summary
This study aims to calculate the cost of performing intravitreal injections (IVI) in Australia using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) – an accounting method that evaluates the cost of a service based on the time spent on each activity. Intravitreal injections are a common treatment for retinal conditions, and their use is increasing due to the ageing population. The study will be conducted over three weeks at the Ophthalmology Unit of Royal Adelaide Hospital. By quantifying the costs involved, the study seeks to identify areas for potential cost savings, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IVI delivery in Australia. 

State NSW
Member Type New fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title The ABCs of Sjögren’s disease: Autoantibody-secreting B Cells

Project Summary
This research focuses on understanding Sjögren’s disease (SjD),

an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, pain, fatigue, and serious complications. The disease is linked to B cells, which are immune cells that normally protect the body, except in SjD they produce harmful protein (autoantibodies) that attack the body’s tissues. Despite there being an awareness of this malfunction in B cells for nearly a century, the exact cause is not well understood, and most research has been conducted in mice. The goals of the research are to identify why B cells produce autoantibodies and to establish a biobank for ongoing studies. Through patient samples and advanced laboratory techniques, the study aims to develop better treatments for SjD. The eventual aim would be to target these bad B cells specifically as a therapeutic strategy.

State VIC
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in adult congenital heart disease: increasing Australia’s clinical, education, and research capacity

Project Summary
This project focuses on improving the care of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), a growing population due to advances in paediatric cardiology and surgery. These patients require lifelong monitoring, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a key tool for assessing heart function and structure. However, expertise in ACHD CMR is limited in Australia. To address this, Dr Lee will undertake a six-month clinical and research fellowship at the Royal Brompton Hospital in the UK, a leader in ACHD CMR. The fellowship will help Dr Lee gain advanced skills, achieve EACVI CMR CHD certification, and learn new 3D imaging techniques. This knowledge will be brought back to Australia to expand ACHD CMR services, enhance clinical care, and foster international research collaborations, benefiting ACHD patients and advancing heart health research in Australia.

State VIC
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title International Survey of Perinatal Death Education among Healthcare Students and Providers

Project Summary
This project aims to assess how well healthcare students and recent graduates are trained to support families after the loss of a baby, particularly in cases of stillbirth or early neonatal death. A global survey will be conducted that asks medical, nursing, and midwifery students about their education on the causes, prevention, and emotional support for bereaved families. The survey will be distributed internationally, reaching participants across multiple continents. The results will identify gaps in training, with the goal of improving educational programs to ensure healthcare providers are better prepared to offer compassionate care to bereaved parents and ultimately help reduce stillbirth and neonatal death rates. 

State VIC
Member Type New Fellow
Grant $5,000
Project Title Closing the Gap: review of common and unique factors in race influencing prostate cancer outcomes.

Project Summary

Assessing the genetic factors of response to standard of care prostate cancer therapies in a real-world population, which includes a subgroup analysis on the basis of race. This forms part of ongoing work at the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne looking at a new prostate cancer therapy, Lutetium, and the determinants of response. This again is in a real-world population where we will analyse the impact of race on outcomes and be able to inform if there are inequities in access for any groups of patients.

State VIC
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Suicides by socioeconomic quintile in Australian cities and regional areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: a time series analysis

Project Summary
This research aims to closely examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates in Australia, particularly focusing on disadvantaged communities. While the overall national suicide rate remained stable, international studies suggest that marginalised groups experienced higher suicide rates during the pandemic. To investigate this in Australia, the study will analyse suicide data before, during, and after the pandemic at a city and quarterly level, using detailed data provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The research will focus on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and compare trends between cities with varying levels of COVID-19 impact, such as Melbourne and Brisbane. The goal is to determine if disadvantaged Australians were disproportionately affected by the pandemic's mental health impacts. 

State NSW
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Improving care in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Australia, through precision medicine

Project Summary
Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PIBD) is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, with no cure. It arises from a combination of genetics, the immune system, and the gut microbiome, leading to unique cases. PIBD causes flare-ups with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition, often requiring surgery. Medications can have serious side effects that affect development. In Australia, over 1,000 children are affected, and the disease's incidence is rising, though treatment options are limited. Precision medicine, which tailors’ treatment based on genetic testing, is being explored and has shown success. The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is a leader in this approach, and a fellow will train there for three years starting in July 2024. The goal is to improve PIBD care in Australia by implementing precision medicine upon their return.

State QLD
Member Type Accredited Trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Up In the AIR: Understanding Paediatric Influenza vaccination through the Australian Immunisation Registry

Project Summary
This project examines trends in childhood flu vaccinations in Australia, using data from the Australian Immunisation Registry (AIR), which tracks vaccines given to Medicare-eligible individuals. The focus is on understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced flu vaccine uptake in children in Brisbane's Metro North Hospital and Health Service area. Early findings suggest a decline in flu vaccine uptake since 2020. The project aims to track changes in vaccine rates from 2019 to 2023, considering factors such as age, gender, cultural background, and socioeconomic status. A key goal is to develop a system for creating real-time maps of vaccination coverage, helping doctors and public health experts monitor trends as new diseases and vaccines emerge. 

State WA
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Using Target Trial Emulation to Determine the Causal Effect of Pre-Arthroplasty Bariatric Surgery on Complications in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Project Summary
This project aims to explore the impact of weight loss surgery on outcomes for joint replacement surgeries in people with osteoarthritis, particularly those who are obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis and can complicate joint replacement surgeries, leading to higher risks of infections and other issues. While bariatric surgery can help obese patients lose weight, it’s unclear how much weight loss is needed or when it should occur relative to joint replacement. The research will analyse large health databases to determine the optimal amount of weight loss and timing for bariatric surgery before joint replacement. The findings could help improve surgery outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance patients' quality of life. Using cutting edge statistical techniques, this research will analyse large health databases to determine the optimal amount of weight loss and timing for bariatric surgery before joint replacement.

State WA
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title Feasibility of a multi-dose test-dose system for pre-operative antibiotics: a phase 1 trial.

Project Summary
This project aims to test the feasibility of a new system called IRIS (Increasing Rate Infusion System) to safely administer test doses of antibiotics before surgery, reducing the risk of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Anaphylaxis is a significant concern in surgical settings, with over 100 cases annually in Western Australia. The IRIS system gradually increases antibiotic doses in small steps, helping to identify allergic reactions without causing harm. This Phase 1 trial will involve 50 patients at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital to assess the safety, practicality, and satisfaction with the system. If successful, a larger study will follow, leading to widespread use. 

State NSW
Member Type Practitioner
Grant $5,000
Project Title Ultra-Rapid Brain Tumour Diagnostics: a long read to a fast answer

Project Summary
This project aims to speed up brain tumour diagnostics using a new technology called long read sequencing. Unlike traditional gene testing, long read sequencing offers a more detailed and faster analysis of a tumour’s genetic makeup. Currently, it takes 2-4 weeks to get brain tumour results, but with this technology, a diagnosis could be returned while the patient is still in surgery, enabling immediate treatment decisions. By providing quicker, more comprehensive diagnoses, long read sequencing has the potential to expedite and improve brain tumour care. 

State NSW
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs

Project Summary
This study is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial aimed at determining whether triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat skin lesions like keloids, can reduce the size of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lesions on the legs of elderly patients. The trial involves participants aged 70 and older with a suspected SCC lesion. After a punch biopsy, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an injection of triamcinolone acetonide or a placebo (normal saline). Five weeks after the injection, any remaining lesion will be excised or biopsied to check for resolution. Participants will also complete questionnaires on lower limb function and quality of life at the start and five weeks after injection.

State VIC
Member Type Accredited trainee
Grant $5,000
Project Title Zoledronic acid to mitigate bone loss following ischaemic stroke

Project Summary
Stroke survivors are at a significantly higher risk of bone fractures due to factors like increased falls, walking difficulties, and bone density loss. The risk of fractures can increase by two to four times after a stroke, especially if a hip is broken, leading to severe complications like disability or death. Current treatments focus on rehabilitation and fall prevention, but these have shown limited effectiveness. This study aims to review the use of zoledronic acid, a common osteoporosis drug, to prevent bone loss in stroke survivors. Participants over 50 who have had a stroke will receive either zoledronic acid or ‘standard of care’, with bone density measured before and after 12 months. The goal is to determine whether the drug can proactively reduce bone loss and fracture risk. If successful, zoledronic acid could offer significant health benefits, reducing complications, improving quality of life, and lowering healthcare costs for stroke survivors. 

State NSW
Member Type Student
Grant $5,000
Project Title Towards an inclusive genomics: characterising structural genetic variation in underrepresented groups

Project Summary
This project seeks to create an inclusive genetic reference database to improve health outcomes for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, who often face higher rates of diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Current genomic medicine largely relies on genetic data from people of European ancestry, which limits its applicability to other populations. The project will analyse genetic data from 100 individuals with the help of Professor Michael Talkowski’s team at Harvard University. The goal is to develop a resource that enables better genetic testing for all Australians, fostering more inclusive research and addressing health disparities.

State VIC
Member Type Pre-Vocational
Grant $5,000
Project Title Treatment of keloid scars with adjuvant radiotherapy before surgery

Project Summary
This study investigates the use of radiation therapy before surgery to treat keloid scars, which are thick, raised scars that can often grow back after removal. Typically, radiation is used after surgery to reduce the chances of regrowth, but this study explores whether applying radiation before surgery could improve outcomes by preventing the keloid from returning and enhancing the appearance of the scar. The research will focus on methods like electron beam radiation and brachytherapy, examining regrowth rates, surgical complications, and patient satisfaction with the appearance of the scar. The goal is to determine if pre-surgery radiation can effectively reduce regrowth and improve scar appearance with minimal side effects. 

Dr Talia Igel

Dr Antonia Kolovos

Dr Alexander Ngoo

Dr Roshan Selvaratnam

Dr Bobak Bahrami

Dr Matthew Lennon

Dr Min Son To

Dr Ramesh Shanmugasundaram

Dr Khizar Rana

Dr Sam Cresser

Dr Benedict Tan

Dr Chu Luan Nguyen

Dr Kane Langdon

Dr Courtney Parish

Dr Matthew Kang

Dr Isobel Pye

Dr Alice Crawford

Dr Kelly Petersen

Dr Katerina Flabouris

Dr Sachin Phakey

Dr April De Silva

Dr Harold Parker

Dr Akash Gowda

Dr Jessica Wynn

Dr Bushra Zaman Bandhon

Dr Yong Min Lee

Dr William Crohan

Dr Owen Taylor-Williams

Dr Nirmal Dayaratna