Lishman Research Fellowships will help ECU continue supporting the next generation of South West health researchers.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has expanded its support to emerging health professionals in the South West, by offering Fellowships to assist with research projects aimed at addressing the needs of people living in regional Western Australia.
St John of God Bunbury and the Pay It Forward Foundation will each contribute $5000 towards a Lishman Research Fellowship, which will be given to two University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) South West students per year to undertake research projects in any health discipline.
ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd said ECU South West and the new Commonwealth-Government-funded UDRH South West are delighted to receive the generous donation.
"Supporting regionally-led research to better improve the community's health outcomes is one of our priorities and I know the students will welcome this incredible opportunity to grow their research skills and track records," Professor Rudd said.
"The South West will also benefit enormously from such applied research that is relevant to the population’s health and the delivery of health services in this Region".
The Fellowships are named for Dr Val Lishman, who was the first specialist surgeon to practise in South West WA and a lifelong proponent and supporter of regional health research to benefit regional populations via his Lishman Health Foundation founded in 1997.
The Foundation later became Lishman Health Research, which has long supported well-designed and supervised research projects among young emerging health professionals in regional areas through the establishment of the Fellowships.
Lishman Health Research continues to support the Fellowships through the UDRH South West.
Pay it Forward Foundation’s Jane Lishman Whiddon said supporting the fellowships is important to continue her father's legacy, but also support the broader community.
"Our Dad was passionate about generating research specific to rural, regional and remote communities — areas that at times are overlooked," she said.
"These Fellowships ensure that the South West continues to develop a strong research base."
St John of God Bunbury Hospital chief executive Jeffrey Williams was also proud to be a partner in the initiative.
"At St John of God Bunbury Hospital, we are always very keen to support emerging young health professionals in developing their skills and knowledge, while also contributing to the healthcare needs of the South West community," Mr Williams said.
