Curtin University researchers will tackle global issues such as child and youth wellbeing, infectious diseases, mental health and long‑term disease prevention, after being awarded significant funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) 2026 Investigator Grants scheme.
The program supports research aiming to improve health outcomes in Australia and around the world, with the five Curtin projects’ $6.4 million in total funding further evidence of Curtin’s strengthening reputation for high‑impact health and medical research.
Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Melinda Fitzgerald said the grants recognised both research excellence and real‑world relevance.
“These Investigator Grants recognise the quality and leadership of Curtin’s researchers and the importance of their work,” Professor Fitzgerald said.
“The funded projects focus on some of the most significant health challenges facing our communities, from chronic disease and mental health to emerging global health threats.
“This research will help shape better healthcare, inform policy and improve lives locally and internationally.”
Curtin University NHMRC 2026 Investigator Grant projects
Associate Professor Shannon Simpson, Curtin School of Allied Health and The Kids Research Institute Australia
Improving the lifelong lung health of infants born prematurely
Associate Professor Simpson’s research looks at why many people born prematurely develop long‑term lung problems. By tracking lung health over time and testing early treatments, the project aims to improve breathing health from infancy through adulthood and reduce chronic lung disease later in life.
Associate Professor Kefyalew Alene, School of Population Health and The Kids Research Institute Australia
Geospatial analytics to accelerate global tuberculosis elimination efforts
Associate Professor Alene’s project uses mapping and data analysis to better understand where tuberculosis (TB) is most common and where drug‑resistant TB is emerging. The research will help governments and health agencies target resources more effectively and strengthen efforts to reduce TB worldwide.
Dr Richard Lee, Curtin Medical School and The Kids Research Institute Australia
Ether lipids for treating mitochondrial disease
Dr Lee’s research explores a new way to treat mitochondrial diseases, which are serious genetic conditions with no current cure. The project aims to test whether restoring certain fats in cells can improve how mitochondria work and lead to future treatments for affected children.
Dr Samantha Colledge‑Frisby, National Drug Research Institute
Preventing injecting‑related bacterial infections in people who inject drugs
Dr Colledge‑Frisby’s research focuses on the growing number of serious bacterial infections among people who inject drugs. The project aims to better understand why these infections are increasing and to develop practical prevention strategies to reduce hospitalisations and improve health outcomes.
Dr Berihun Dachew, School of Population Health
The mental health impacts of climate change on children and youth
Dr Dachew’s project examines how climate‑related events such as heatwaves, bushfires and drought affect the mental health and learning of children and young people. Using large Australian datasets, the research will identify which groups are most at risk and help guide future mental health planning and policy.
