Support for Griffith Health Institute continues to rise

Unique and ground-breaking research at the Griffith Health Institute has been bolstered by a $5.5 million increase in funding during the Institute’s first three years.

Griffith Health Institute’s first annual report, published at the end of 2010, shows a 157 per cent increase in research income from $3.5 million in 2007 to $9 million in 2009.

The $9 million represents 14 per cent of Griffith University’s total research

income for 2009.

A further boost to the GHI came in the form of $2 million in late 2010 from the estate of former Brisbane mayor Dr Clem Jones. The significant contribution, which comes into effect this year, will be channelled into stem cell research aimed at curing brain damage.

Another coup for GHI was the establishment of Australia’s first Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing Interventions for Hospitalised Patients. Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the centre will

receive $2.5 million over five years to research nursing services for patients at

risk of compromised skin integrity, and pain and anxiety.

GHI was set up in 2007 to spearhead the university’s research into the prevention of chronic disease, specifically cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and mental health.

“With the depth and level of expertise across our six research programs, the Institute is well positioned to provide novel responses to major health issues affecting Australia and the world,” said GHI Director, Professor Lyn Griffiths.

Research income is secured mainly through grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council, and from the business and industry sector. Philanthropic donations make up the remainder.

“Griffith Health Institute is immensely grateful for the support we have received to date, which will help further our vision to develop healthy communities through research,” said Professor Griffiths.