AAMRI in strong support of new MRFF funds directed to Bushfire health research

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) today welcomes the announcement that funds will be made available to research the health impact of the bushfires.

$5 million for medical research has been made available through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to focus on the medium-term physiological and mental health effects of the bushfires.

“We applaud this immediate response from the Government. The urgency of the current crisis and the likelihood of further fires this season mean that comprehensive research must commence as soon as possible. By studying the health impacts of prolonged bushfire smoke exposure, we will get the evidence we need to develop better preventative plans and treatments,” said AAMRI President Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM.

The Government has been increasing their support to the mental health sector as the bushfires have unfolded. Professor Carapetis said that his heart goes out to all those affected, and that focussing on both physiological and mental health is critical.

“The response from people in Australia and all over the world shows the deep desire to help those communities affected by this tragedy. The medical research institute sector has expertise to use this funding to ensure we have the proper data to inform long term plans and future policies.”

$3 million will be available to research physiological impacts of prolonged bushfire smoke exposure and $2 million for research into the mental health impacts of bushfires on affected communities.

The grant round will open Friday, 17 January 2020 and closes Friday, 31 January 2020, further information will be available through Grants Connect.