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Photo Credit: Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education
The Australian Government has announced 24 recipients of the prestigious Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) funding of $72 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Among them is the FASD Hub Australia Chair Professor Elizabeth Elliott, who will receive $3 million to lead a new CRE focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
“Our team is thrilled to receive this prestigious NHMRC grant for a Centre of Research Excellence in FASD. It will strengthen Australia’s collaborative research network, build capacity in early-to-mid-career researchers, and fund research that will be translated into prevention, optimal treatment, and the best possible outcomes for children and adolescents with FASD. Our research will be co-designed with people living with FASD to ensure it addresses their priorities and has maximal impact,” said Professor Elliott.
Professor Elliott is internationally recognised for her leadership and longstanding contributions to FASD research and diagnosis. She previously co-led the FASD Research Australia CRE (2016–2021) with The Kids Research Institute Australia Emeritus Professor Carol Bower. Together, they advanced national collaboration, strategic research, and the translation of findings into advocacy and policy.
With a strong focus on translation, Professor Elliott’s new CRE aims to move evidence into action to support improved health services, raise awareness, and influence policy to drive prevention and improve access to diagnosis and will be managed by Associate Professor Sharon Medlow.
Chief Investigators include experts in:
- Epidemiology – Professor Martiniuk and Associate Professor Mewton
- Implementation Science – Associate Professor Shepherd
- Health Economics – Associate Professor Scott
- Pregnancy Cohorts – Associate Professor Hutchinson
- Indigenous Research and Knowledge translation – Professor D’Antoine and Dr Rice
- Preconception Health – Professor Black
- Policy Development and Evaluation – Dr Robards
Associate Investigators include experts in:
- Translational Research – Dr Kingsland
- Systematic Reviews – Dr Popova
- Paediatrics – Professor Wolfenden
- Pregnancy and Substance Use – Dr Prior
- Genetics – Professor Dudding-Byth
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Dr Cook
- Cohort Studies – Ms Muggli
- Lifecourse Epidemiology – Professor Olsson
- Aboriginal Research and Advocacy – Ms Carter
- Consumer Advocacy – Ms Harrington
- A/Professor Sharon Medlow will be the FASD CRE manager.
The NHMRC’s CRE funding reflects a continued commitment to collaborative research aligned with national health priorities, including those outlined in the National FASD Strategic Action Plan and supported by recent Senate Inquiry recommendations.
