Australia injects $10.1 M to back next-generation of medical researchers
January 9, 2026 | Friday | News
Scholarships to give early-career researchers training and support
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The Australian government is investing $10.1 million to support the next generation of health and medical researchers. Through the NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships scheme, 67 outstanding graduates will receive scholarships to pursue research that spans the full spectrum of health.
These scholarships give early-career researchers the training and support they need to conduct world-class research and build the skills to lead original, independent projects that improve health outcomes for Australians.
A project focused on women living with multiple sclerosis (MS) will investigate how menopause and aging affect symptoms, thinking, and quality of life.
Led by Dr Jessica Redmond from Monash University and The Alfred, the PhD research will assess two under-researched areas: the menopausal transition in women with MS and the use of novel visual and brain imaging biomarkers to track aging and disease progression.
MS is an autoimmune neurodegenerative condition that affects three times more women than men. While most diagnoses occur between 20 and 40, people aged 50 and over now make up a large proportion of those living with MS.
This research will explore how menopause symptoms overlap with MS and whether advanced eye imaging can detect signs of accelerated aging, helping predict disability earlier and improve care for women as they age.
Minister Butler said, “The government is investing in the next generation of Australian health and medical research leaders, empowering our brightest minds to pursue innovative ideas and drive scientific discovery. These scholarships strengthen our ability to tackle tomorrow’s health challenges and deliver breakthroughs that improve lives. Research like this into MS and ageing will help improve care for women living with MS and ensure they have better quality of life as they age.”