How a building can improve health and healing after injury or illness is the focusof a study by Associate Professor Heidi Muenchberger, a recently announced recipient of the 2014 Australian-American Fulbright Commission Scholarships.

An extension of her 15 year research agenda in catastrophic injury and healingenvironments, Associate Professor Muenchberger from the Griffith Health Institute, said the research will represent a seminal international collaborationwith world experts in this area.

“An immediate impact will be applying the latest design innovations to Australianoutpatient environments and this will have broader relevance to the way we thinkabout health environments for other illness and injury groups such as aged careand paediatric services.”

Due to be officially announced at a presentation dinner at Brisbane City Hall onMarch 6, the 2014 Fulbright scholars join a community of nearly 5000 alumni whohave completed their Fulbright scholarship since the Australian-Americanorganisation was established sixty five years ago.

Thirty one recipients from every state and territory in Australia will receive supportto travel to America in a post-graduate, post-doctoral, senior or professional capacity. Scholars will complete research across a range of fields, includingscience, technology, the arts, education and public policy.

Executive Director for the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, DrTangerine Holt, said: “The calibre of our 2014 scholars is exceptional. These remarkable individuals were chosen because of their talent as well as theirpassion to translate their research in Australia and globally. From agricultural science to astrophysics , I am proud that these extraordinary Australians willmake a difference to change the world.”

Griffith University’s Dr Vinay Rane and Professor Haig Patapan were also amongthe recipients of the 2014 Australian Fulbright Scholarship.

Visit:www.fulbright.com.au