Qld Govt commits $5m to fund dust lung disease research
The Queensland Government has offered a $5 million medical research grant over four years from 2021 to 2025, to support research for the benefit of workers with occupational dust lung disease, in particular those with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and silicosis.
The grant opportunity will help researchers understand the pathogenesis of silicosis (included accelerated silicosis) and CWP, and identify factors to determine disease severity and risk of disease progression (linked to the ability to return to work). The research will also strive to determine the efficacy and sensitivity of methods for early diagnosis, prevention and progression of disease, including anti-fibrotic medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, whole lung lavage and other developing treatments.
Occupational dust lung disease profoundly impacts the lives of affected workers and their families, and is a public health issue because there are limited proven treatment options. There is also a need for greater understanding of the disease pathway — from the risks of exposure, the type of dust causing the most harm and further investigation of treatment options.
Interested parties must submit an expression of interest via the QTenders website. Applicants must be based in Queensland, though joint expressions of interest with interstate or international research partners are encouraged. Funding may also be apportioned between successful applicants if there are multiple, meritorious projects that support the government’s research objectives.
Expressions of interest will be subject to an initial technical assessment by Queensland, Australian and international medical and research experts in occupational dust lung disease, then evaluated by a panel of representatives from the Office of Industrial Relations, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, Queensland Health and WorkCover Queensland.
Information about eligibility criteria and how to apply for the grant is available at QTenders (reference number OIR 33_2021). Expressions of interest close on 14 June 2021.
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