Shot in arm for medical research

GROUNDBREAKING medical research in Queensland will be part of a $640 million package to be announced today in a bid to save lives.

A total of 90 Queensland research projects – including studies to fight different types of cancer – will be given thousands of dollars in grants.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will make the announcement today, which will include $109 million allocated to projects for better cancer detection, treatments and cures.

The Queensland projects will share in $70 million in funding, including $2.6 million for the University of Queensland’s Andreas Schibler to research a new method for treating respiratory diseases in children.

More than $2 million will be given to University of Queensland’s Dr Victoria Atkinson to find better treatments for melanoma and other cancers.

Mr Hunt said medical research was driving an increase in cancer survival rates.

“It is estimated that more than one million Australians are living with cancer or have survived a cancer diagnosis,” he said. “Prioritising the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is again a focus with an investment of over $31 million for research grants on indigenous health issues.

The Turnbull Government is committed to supporting Australia’s best health and medical research.”