Research focusing on male health and wellbeing has received a considerable boost, with Flinders University and Flinders Foundation joining the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing.

Nine Flinders University research projects will receive funding from this newly expanded male health research alliance, across prostate cancer, Aboriginal health and mental health.

The Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing is an SA and NT research alliance involving Flinders University and Flinders Foundation, Masonic Charities Trust, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Menzies School of Health Research and the University of Adelaide.

The Masonic Charities Trust and Flinders Foundation will contribute an initial $1.2 million over two years for men’s health research based at Flinders University.

Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robert Saint said he was delighted Flinders University could contribute its research expertise to tackling the challenges in men’s health.

“It’s well known that men have particular health challenges such as prostate cancer and can carry a higher burden in relation to certain diseases and mental health issues. These challenges are even more pronounced for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men,” Professor Saint said.

“The initiative shown by the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, co-funded by the Masonic Charities Trust and Flinders Foundation, will bring additional weight to our efforts to address some of the leading causes of male ill health, including prostate cancer and mental health with a particular focus on health and wellbeing for Indigenous men.”