$821,000 in research seed grants to help researchers kick-start discoveries across a variety of illnesses, diseases and social issues has been provided by a partnership between Flinders Foundation and Flinders University.

The funding of up to $25,000 per project will help get the research projects up and running and give researchers the time and resources they need to prove their concepts and test data to then apply for larger sums from national and international funding bodies.

Research projects include:

• Developing a biomarker for the earliest detection of Glioblastoma – the most common form of brain cancer
• Analysing perspectives on a ‘sugar tax’ as a response to obesity in Australia
• Assessment of a falls risk in untreated and treated obstructive sleep apnoea
• Improving management of childhood glaucoma
• Exploring resistance to ibrutinib – a common and effective therapy used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
• Defining how serotonin regulates the gut

For full list of 35 grant recipients, click here

Flinders Foundation Executive Director Ross Verschoor said Flinders Foundation was proud to support the abundant research talent across the Flinders medical precinct.

“The dedicated researchers at Flinders work tirelessly to improve the lives of people and their families affected by a wide range of illnesses and diseases,” Ross said.

“From past experiences we know these health seed grants are vital in kick-starting research discoveries which not only benefit our local community, but also advance research knowledge around the world.”

Grant funding was made possible thanks to donations from generous individuals, fundraisers and South Australian organisations including Mr Riggs Wine Company, Drakes Supermarkets and Foodland, and events such as the Pink Yellow Blue Ball, Bay to Birdwood and SA Police’s Ride Like Crazy.

“The researchers at Flinders possess the most incredible ideas which could be the catalyst for the next big breakthrough,” Ross said.

“Often all they need to get these ideas off the ground is funding, and we’re grateful to the South Australian community for joining with us to make this happen.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robert Saint said the seed funding grants can be the catalyst for life-changing breakthroughs.

“The support of the foundation and its generous donors and supporters, is vital in supporting our talented researchers to explore and prove new treatments, or get revolutionary research projects off the ground.

“There is no doubt as to the effectiveness of this funding, with around 40 per cent of recipients going on to win grants of a much larger scale, facilitating substantial projects and results that make a difference to people’s health and lives” Professor Saint said.