Grant applications open for neurotrauma research

13 February 2018

Applications opened this week for Insurance Commission of Western Australia funded grants focused on neurotrauma research.  

Two one-year grants of $100,000 are available for research starting in mid-2018.

The Insurance Commission has partnered with the Neurotrauma Research Program (NRP) at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science to coordinate the research.  

This is the second year the Insurance Commission has funded innovative research aimed at improving rehabilitation for people with catastrophic injuries.

In 2017, the Insurance Commission announced it would provide $600,000 in funding across three years to neurotrauma research in Western Australia.  

Neurotrauma researchers across WA can apply for 2018 funding for projects focused on:

• Increasing the independence of individuals with acquired brain or spinal cord injuries;
• Improving functional recovery through rehabilitation;
• Repairing and regenerating damaged human central nervous system tissue;
• Utilising research discoveries to develop therapeutic interventions;
• Reducing the physical and psychosocial burden on caregivers and families; and
• Lowering costs for insurers.

Commission Secretary Kane Blackman said the Insurance Commission’s partnership with NRP could improve rehabilitation outcomes for people with catastrophic injuries.

“In 2017, we incurred over $1 billion in claims costs and outstanding estimates for care.”

“The Insurance Commission supports research to reduce effort for carers and the burden on families,” he said.

“This can help keep care costs low and insurance premiums affordable which supports the Insurance Commission’s business objectives.”

Applications must be submitted by 5pm (AWST) on Monday 19 March, with research projects commencing from 1 July 2018.

For more information or to apply for funding, visit https://perroninstitute.org/nrp/.