The Australian federal government is to allocate AU$42.3 million for medical research through its Centres of Research Excellence initiative.
Scientists studying the cause of oesophagus cancer are among the 17 grant recipients announced by the National Health and Medical Research Council on 2 August. Other funded projects include research focused on Indigenous health issues, a programme priority.
A centre based at the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin will focus on the lung health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Another, also at the Menzies School, aims to reduce marked disparities in diagnosis, treatment and survival for Indigenous Australians with cancer.
The third centre, at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, aims to reduce inequality in heart disease. It will develop and apply practical and sustainable health care services that reduce the inequitable burden of risk and disease in vulnerable groups.
Research with a focus on suicide prevention, substance abuse and improved mental health planning will also receive funds.