La Trobe University has secured a significant $11.7 million federal funding boost to lead ground-breaking medical research, including a major project dedicated to reducing concussion and knee injuries for women and girls in community football.
Professor Kay Crossley, Director of the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, will lead the projectHER trial with nearly $5 million from the Medical Research Future Fund. The study involves more than 10,000 Australian Rules Football and soccer players across 28 community leagues. The initiative aims to bridge the injury gap, as female athletes currently face a risk of injury two to eight times higher than their male counterparts.
Professor Crossley noted that concussion can lead to impaired brain function, while knee injuries often result in early onset osteoarthritis for young athletes. By working directly with coaches and players, the project aims to remove barriers to injury-prevention programs and eventually expand these strategies nationwide.
The funding success extends to other vital health areas at La Trobe. Associate Professor Eliza Hawkes received $3.4 million to improve outcomes for patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma using low-toxicity therapy.
Additionally, Associate Professor Adam Culvenor was awarded $2.7 million for the KOBRA trial, which tests the effectiveness of slim-fit knee braces in treating post-traumatic osteoarthritis. A further $798,137 was granted to Associate Professor Hui Gan to investigate new therapies for glioblastoma, a rare form of brain tumour.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Chris Pakes praised the researchers, noting that these projects highlight La Trobe’s commitment to impactful research that improves the everyday lives of Australians. The projectHER trial will be conducted in partnership with the AFL, Football Australia, FIFA, and Queensland University of Technology.
