Research For Life (RFL), the Wellington Medical Research Foundation, today announced that it will launch its first Annual Appeal next Monday, 17 October, with the ambitious goal of doubling the value of research and travel grants it awards each year.

RFL chairman Prof. John Nacey said, “Research For Life currently provides a great support for many young researchers but quality projects miss out. Last year we funded over $200,000 of innovative medical and biomedical research but we received many applications from deserving young researchers that we simply couldn’t afford to help.

“We are appealing to the community to increase our funding so we can help more bright young minds stretch the boundaries of understanding an even wider range of health fields. This is an investment in building the capacity of the medical research community to save and transform people’s lives.”

The Minister of Health Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman has agreed to launch RFL’s Annual Appeal which will commence on Monday, 17 October and runs for a week.

RFL currently funds researchers at the Wellington School of Medicine, Capital and Coast DHB, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Victoria University of Wellington and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. The organisation has funded research into the basic understanding of cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, stroke therapy and conditions of particular concern in the Wellington region, such as asthma.

“We want to support and encourage more young, talented people undertake quality medical and biomedical research. Our first annual appeal provides the means by which the wider community can increase the quantum of research undertaken by emerging researchers, build the region’s research capacity and advance the quality of healthcare in the Wellington region and beyond,” John Nacey said.

ENDS

About Research For Life

Research For Life funds innovative quality research undertaken by researchers in the early stages of their careers who, through their work, will advance the quality of healthcare in the Wellington region and beyond.

Role of the Foundation
Research for Life (Wellington Medical Research Foundation) is dedicated to supporting and encouraging young, talented people to engage in medical and biomedical research.

The Foundation considers appropriate applications from all individuals and research groups in the Wellington region. We currently lend our support, in particular, to the School of Medicine, Wellington Hospital, Victoria University of Wellington and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.

The need for medical research
Major discoveries in medicine have been made and continue to be made through fundamental and applied research. By funding such research, we aim to be at the forefront of medical knowledge and technical ability.

Achievements of the Foundation
The Foundation has funded work in many areas, including research into the basic understanding of cancer, kidney disease and conditions of particular concern in the Wellington region, such as asthma.

The Wellington Medical Research Foundation is a registered charity, registration number: CC10659