George Institute researchers awarded MRFF grants to drive equity and innovation in health care

Two George Institute researchers have been awarded funding under the 2025 MRFF Early to Mid-Career Researchers scheme to tackle pressing health challenges with innovative, equity-focused solutions.

Advancing equity in cancer care for priority populations

Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap has received MRFF funding for a project tackling cancer outcome disparities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The work will be co-led by A/Prof Julieann Coombes, Program Lead, Indigenous Methodologies and Systems Change, Guunu-Maana Program. The two-year program will develop a dual-stream framework to improve cultural and ethnicity data collection in cancer care, enabling culturally safe, evidence-based treatment. Co-designed with First Nations and CALD partners, the initiative aims to drive equity-focused data reform into national practice and policy.

Improving diagnosis for breathlessness in primary care

Dr Anthony Sunjaya has been awarded MRFF funding for the BREATHE Dx trial, which will test point-of-care diagnostic tools for lung and heart disease supported by AI in Australian GP practices. The study aims to speed up diagnosis for patients with breathlessness—affecting 1.8 million Australians—and improve care, especially in rural and remote areas. By evaluating feasibility, impact, and cost-effectiveness, this project could transform technology-enabled primary care for chronic respiratory conditions nationwide.

These projects reflect The George Institute’s commitment to creating better treatments and fairer systems for underserved populations and tackling complex health challenges through evidence-based innovation.