Research involving the use of AI, 3D printing and the use of lithium for mental health treatment is being supported.
The State Government has announced $1.4 million will be awarded to WA's leading medical and health innovators through its Innovation Fellowships program.
More than half a million dollars of that funding will be used directly for Edith Cowan University (ECU)-led health and medical research projects.
"This significant recognition of ECU's medical and health research is yet another terrific example of the progressive nature of our work," Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Caroline Finch said.
"Research involving the use of AI, electric brain stimulation, 3D printing and the use of lithium for mental health treatment is being supported.
"These are truly innovative, out-of-the-box initiatives that show ECU is continually at the forefront of health innovation."
This program provides Fellowships to talented Western Australians to enable them to develop innovative early-stage processes, products and services in medical and health innovation.
Funded by the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund (FHIRI) which provides a secure source of funding to drive health and medical research, innovation and commercialisation.
ECU research to receive funding:
- Dr Md Moniruzzaman has received a $147,192 grant for his work using Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhanced stethoscope for remote screening of Valvular Heart Disease (VHD).
- Dr Myles Murphy has received a $119,489 grant for his work harnessing 'brainpower': using portable, electrical brain stimulation to enhance injury recovery and physical performance via neuroplasticity.
- Dr Amir Razmjou has received a $142,278 grant for his research into the transdermal delivery of lithium for the treatment of bipolar affective disorders.
- Dr Liezhou Zhong has received a $115,348 grant for his ongoing research that develops 3D printed food to enhance eating experiences and health for people on texture modified diets, like the elderly in nursing homes around the country.
"We are immensely proud of the multidisciplinary research being done in the health and medical fields here at ECU," Professor Finch said.
"Our researchers and innovators are addressing the problems that arise from unmet health and medical needs, and we simply cannot wait to see the benefits that arise from these projects, a future of better health diagnosis and treatment."
