Inaugural research grants awarded

Researchers awarded funds for vital sight-saving work

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, awarded the inaugural research grants to combat Australia’s leading cause of blindness.

A group of 80 attendees gathered at Admiralty House in Kirribilli, Sydney, for a morning tea hosted by the Governor-General.

Guests at the morning tea included The Hon. Jillian Skinner, NSW Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research; Jan Utzon, son of the late and greatly respected Jorn Utzon, architect of the Sydney Opera House; Foundation Ambassador and media personality Jean Kittson; The Foundation’s Board of Directors, major sponsors, healthcare professionals and representatives of the macular degeneration community. Guests also had the opportunity to have their eyes tested thanks to Designs For Vision.

The inaugural Macular Degeneration Foundation Research Grants Program awarded pre-eminent world leading researchers nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to support crucial research to shed light on prevention and early detection in order to save the sight of many Australians.

Grant recipients

Professor Paul Mitchell Director Centre for Vision Research Westmead Millennium Institute, The University of Sydney.

Professor Robyn Guymer Deputy Director Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne. Professor Guymer is supported by co-investigators, Associate Professor Paul Baird and Dr Chi Luu.

In addition, the Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Fellowship was awarded to Dr Liubov Robman Senior Research Fellow Centre for Eye Research Australia University of Melbourne.

Announcing the grant winners at Admiralty House in Sydney today, Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, CVO, said “The work of the Macular Degeneration Foundation is critical in raising public awareness of macular degeneration and slowing its prevalence. The Macular Degeneration Foundation, a charity, relies on much community support in spreading the message” she said.

“We need to find answers as to why macular degeneration is sending so many Australians blind. We know research works helping to find reasons and answers for diseases and ultimately – a cure. We’re investing in critical research by pre-eminent world experts, to help ensure that all Australians can see a future.”