George Institute raises funds to support next generation researchers

The George Institute for Global Health has rewarded an early career researcher with its first ever staff funded research scholarship to support next generation medical leadership. 

Dr Leanne Hassett was awarded The George Institute for Global Health Staff Fellowship as part of the John Chalmers Fellowship program, for her outstanding work in the Musculoskeletal Division.

Professor Vlado Perkovic, Executive Director of The George Institute Australia said that the Institute is committed to supporting early career researchers and their mission to improve global health outcomes for people around the world.

“The new George Institute Fellowship Fund demonstrates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

It is vital that we invest in talented individuals who will shape the future of Australian healthcare and this scholarship will assist Dr Hassett in building her professional portfolio while allowing her to become a leader in rehabilitation research.”

Dr Hassett said that she will use the scholarship to further build her body of research concerning the use of affordable technologies to improve physical activity and mobility outcomes in rehabilitation (National Health and Medical Research Council funded AMOUNT rehabilitation trial).

“My research will fit within the musculoskeletal division’s research priorities of promoting innovation, delivering healthcare interventions effectively and increasing physical activity in aging and disability populations. 

The research I’ll be able to conduct thanks to the staff funded scholarship will help to determine how best to use technology to increase the dosage of rehabilitation exercise.” 

Last year, 19 team members “Jogged for George” by competing in the half marathon, family fun run and nine-kilometre bridge run for the 2014 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.

The funds raised by the Jog for George team were matched by the Institute in support of the research scholarship.

This year, George Institute staff will once again support another early career researcher by “Jogging for George” in 2015.

Join in the fun of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on Sunday 20 September or help raise funds to support early career medical research.

For fundraising information contact Carrie Deane on cdeane@georgeinstitute.org