In all, 31 exciting new projects have received funding through the partnership between Flinders Foundation and Flinders University. The seed grants have been awarded to support new research that has the potential to create positive change within our community.

Funding of up to $25,000 has been awarded to each of the projects, which focus on a variety of illnesses, diseases and social issues ranging from cancer, sleep disorders and neurological conditions, to women’s, maternal and indigenous health. 

The annual health seed grant round, which is funded by donations from generous individuals and funds raised by supporters and organisations, gives researchers the time and resources they need to prove their concepts and generate data, so they can apply for larger sums from national and international funding bodies.

Flinders Foundation Executive Director Ross Verschoor said Flinders Foundation was proud to support the talented researchers working across Flinders University and the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

“Medical discoveries are made through research and the only way to advance clinical practice is through research. We’re grateful to our supporters and the South Australian community for helping to fund the dedicated researchers at Flinders, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people and their families affected by a wide range of illnesses, diseases and social issues,” Ross said.

“Over the years, the seed grant program has led to new discoveries, bold new ways of thinking, and improvements in patient care and treatment.

“It has also been rewarding to see many seed grant recipients go on to win grants of a much larger scale. Recently, 10 Flinders University led research project groups were awarded significant grants through the coveted National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) Ideas Grant scheme.

“Of the 10 successful research groups, eight had previously received seed funding from Flinders Foundation. This funding scheme facilitates substantial projects and delivers results that advance research knowledge and make a difference to people’s health and lives, both locally and globally.”

Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robert Saint thanked Flinders Foundation’s supporters for their continued commitment to funding new research.

“Research has perhaps never been in the spotlight more so than this year, and the importance of health and medical research has never been clearer,” Professor Saint said.

“The support of the foundation and its generous donors and supporters is vital in helping our talented researchers to explore and prove new treatments, or get revolutionary research projects off the ground which could be the catalyst for the next, much-needed breakthrough.”