Major health initiatives receive funding from Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council

Two new partnership projects led by The George Institute have received funding from Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council. The partnerships will see researchers and policy makers working together, to define research questions, undertake research, and interpret the findings.

By building Australia’s capacity to produce applied research of high quality science, these partnerships will help provide answers to the complex and difficult questions that decision makers face when designing policies that affect Australians’ health and health care.

Reducing salt in the Australian diet

Chief Investigator: Professor Bruce Neal

This project brings together government, industry and scientists, under the supervision of Professor Bruce Neal, with the goal of reducing Australians’ salt intake. Prof Neal’s team will do this by measuring salt in the diet, identifying the main foods it comes from and determining ways to reduce it. The Government funding will be supplemented by funding and in-kind support from partners including NSW Health and the Australian Food and Grocery Council.

NHMRC Amount Awarded: AU$799,242

Sydney Epilepsy Incidence Study to Measure Illness Consequences (SEISMIC)

Chief Investigator: Professor Craig Anderson

Epilepsy is common, costly and neglected. SEISMIC is a prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed cases of epilepsy. It aims to fill clinical, psychosocial and economic knowledge gaps in epilepsy. The SEISMIC network will use this new evidence for policy recommendations and strategic plans: for health systems/ guidelines to improve efficiency and care; and to enlighten community-based support programs, education, driving and workplace legislation. SEISMIC was developed by the Sydney area health service, Epilepsy Action, Epilepsy Society of Australia and The George Institute.

NHMRC Amount Awarded: AU$676,000