$800,000 available to fund new health and medical research projects in Southern Adelaide
Flinders Foundation has today opened applications for its annual Health Seed Grant Round, offering funding to researchers from Flinders University and the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) working to solve some of the community's most pressing health challenges.
Each year, the program provides grants of up to $25,000 to help emerging researchers get bold ideas off the ground — funding the critical first steps that often make the difference between a promising concept and a fully realised research project.
Made possible through the generosity of Flinders Foundation supporters, together with funding from Flinders University, the Health Seed Grants have a strong track record of turning small investments into significant outcomes, with past recipients going on to secure major national and international funding, including through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Researchers are encouraged to apply across the full breadth of health and medical research, from cancer, diabetes and mental health, to healthy ageing, chronic disease and emerging areas of clinical need.
Flinders Foundation Executive Director Ross Verschoor said the seed grant program exists to give researchers the confidence and resources to pursue ideas that might otherwise never get off the ground.
"Every major medical breakthrough starts somewhere small, and that's exactly what this funding is for," Mr Verschoor said.
"By backing researchers early, we're able to help them generate the evidence they need to compete for larger grants down the track. It's an investment that pays off many times over, not just for the researchers involved but for patients and families who benefit from the discoveries that follow.
"We know from experience that seed funding works. Time and again, we've seen a small grant become the foundation for research that goes on to change the way conditions are diagnosed, treated or understood."
Mr Verschoor said the Foundation was proud to continue the program thanks to the ongoing generosity of its donors and the South Australian community.
"None of this would be possible without the people who choose to support Flinders Foundation. Their generosity gives our researchers the freedom to explore new ideas and, ultimately, gives our community better healthcare outcomes."
Flinders University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan, said the funding reflects Flinders University’s commitment to delivering world-class research with tangible impact.
"Behind every research project is the opportunity to improve someone's life," said Professor Chan.
"Our teams are working to detect disease earlier, prevent illness where possible, and develop more personalised approaches to treatment and survivorship.
"Support from Flinders Foundation is critical in helping us move discoveries beyond the laboratory and into hospitals and clinics, where they can make a meaningful difference for patients and their families."
SALHN Executive Director, Research Strategy, Professor Andrew Bersten, said the grants were an important investment in research that directly benefits patients.
"We know that research is a key platform for the delivery of quality healthcare, and the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network is delighted to partner with the Health Seed Grant Round. " Professor Bersten said.
"These funding opportunities are vital for supporting research that improves patient care and advances medical knowledge.
"We have outstanding projects underway across our health network, and this is a fantastic opportunity to create better outcomes for our patients."
Applications for the Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round are now open. The Round closes on Monday 14 September.
More stories about
Keep up to date
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive information on our latest news and events
Precinct partners
Head office
Flinders Drive
Bedford Park 5042 SA
General enquiries
Flinders Foundation acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Flinders precinct was established. We acknowledge the Kaurna people’s deep and ongoing connection to land, waters and community, and pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.
