A $10 million windfall will help six projects led by Hunter researchers forge ahead.
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The combined total came from three National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding announced on Thursday.
The programs include education programs, efforts to address substance abuse, chronic disease prevention and work to improve Aboriginal childrens' health.
Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden will receive more than $2.7 million over five years to fund work examining methods to encourage behaviour including activity, diet and quitting smoking on a large scale.
Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin's $2 million grant, also over five years, will examine how technology can rapidly and significantly improve treatment access when treating mental disorders.
Surgeon and Associate Professor Kelvin Kong will receive more than $1 million to examine a telehealth model for ear, nose and throat treatment to give Aboriginal children in rural, regional and metropolitan areas greater access to specialist care.
Dr Rachel Sutherland, Dr Nicole Nathan and Dr Vanessa Murphy all received more than $1.5 million each through the Medical Research Future Fund Investigator grants towards their projects.
Dr Sutherland is identifying effective school-based interventions to prevent chronic disease, while Dr Nathan is examining key impediments to sustainable chronic disease prevention programs.
Dr Murphy will further her work in asthma care towards personalised management of the respiratory disease during pregnancy.
University of Newcastle deputy vice-chancellor research and innovation Professor Janet Nelson said the competitive funding wins were significant, particularly given the global focus on COVID-19.
"As we navigate a very challenging funding environment, it is incredibly encouraging to see our researchers continue to be recognised for their important work," Professor Nelson said.
"We want to see better, healthier living for the Hunter, and these wonderful achievements will help us contribute towards this strategic objective."