Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Investing in good health has always been seen as the best long-term investment for both authorities that provide free healthcare and individuals. A tobacco-free future and halting cancers resulting from infections are two significant projects at The Australian National University (ANU) to get prominent funding from the government.
Five ANU researchers have secured over $10.7 million (approximately 7 million US dollars) from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant scheme to assist in handling key medical and health challenges. Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, stated that the funds will empower ANU researchers to handle chronic diseases resulting from smoking, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis, cancer and heart attacks.
Professor Emily Banks is to receive over $2.9 million (approximately 1.8 million US dollars) to see enhanced tobacco and e-cigarette control and bring new information into preventing cardiovascular disease. Professor Banks stated that smoking is still Australia’s number 1 reason for premature death and disability adding that approximately 50% of all deaths for 45-year old’s and over in this key population are a result of tobacco smoking.
“Australia is aiming for a tobacco-free future and is up against a predatory industry that is constantly innovating. E-cigarettes, or vaping, also present new challenges,” she said, explaining that her team will use the funds to produce and translate new information to enhance the next generation of tobacco and e-cigarette control and halt chronic disease.
ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Keith Nugent congratulated every one of the NHMRC Investigator Grant recipients on the funds and stated that ANU a trusted Australian research institution is dedicated to bringing solid advantages daily. Professor Nugent also stated that the funding success is a major demonstration of the health research excellence recognizing the skills researchers have in taking up significant work that will enhance the lives and health of the country.
