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Three University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ health researchers have been awarded National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grants to support projects into premature babies, heart health and strokes, and high glucose and critical illness.

Dr Mark Plummer, and Professors Maria Makrides and Prashanthan Sanders, have received $6.1 million in total for grants which will be administered by the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ.

Maria Makrides, a Professor of Human Nutrition in the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Medical School, and Deputy Director and the Women and Kids Theme Leader SAHMRI, received a funding commitment of $3,525,098 for a grant focussing on Omega-3 and preventing prematurity and enhancing cognitive development of very preterm children.

Professor Prashanthan Sanders, Director of the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders in the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Medical School, received a funding commitment of $2,117,519 for a grant investigating management of the first pillar for atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Dr Mark Plummer from the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Medical School, and Head of Research and Innovation in the Intensive Care Unit at Royal ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Hospital, received a funding commitment of $447,129 for a grant looking into the management of high blood glucose during and post critical illness.

“We are delighted to see this investment by the NHMRC in our leading researchers. Their work is critically important to better health outcomes and illustrates the wonderful synergies that exist between the University and our health network partners.â€�Professor Benjamin Kile, Executive Dean of the Faculty and Health and Medical Sciences at the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ.

Professor Benjamin Kile, Executive Dean of the Faculty and Health and Medical Sciences at the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ said, “we are delighted to see this investment by the NHMRC in our leading researchers. Their work is critically important to better health outcomes and illustrates the wonderful synergies that exist between the University and our health network partners.â€�

The Australian Government announced the outcomes of this year’s round of Investigator Grants. More than $375 million has been awarded to support 225 emerging and established leaders in health and medical research across Australia to tackle our greatest health challenges.

The grants provide a 5-year fellowship and research support for outstanding researchers at all career stages.

The Investigator Grant scheme is NHMRC’s largest funding scheme and a major investment in Australia’s health and medical research workforce.