UNSW Sydney researchers have secured more than $9 million through the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to address urgent public health challenges. The funding supports diverse projects, including a $2,808,000 study led by Professor Jonathan Brett to investigate psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for methamphetamine dependence.
How will psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treat methamphetamine dependence?
Professor Jonathan Brett from UNSW Medicine & Health will lead a project evaluating whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can help individuals reduce or stop using methamphetamine. Currently, there are no approved medications available to treat methamphetamine dependence, which impacts the mental and physical health of many people.
The research involves providing participants with structured psychotherapy combined with either higher or lower doses of psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound that has shown promise in controlled clinical settings for treating conditions such as anxiety and depression.
“Methamphetamine dependence can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities, yet treatment options remain very limited,” Professor Brett said.
The study aims to rigorously evaluate if this new pathway can assist people who have not responded to existing treatment approaches. Researchers will monitor changes in methamphetamine use, mental health, and general wellbeing over time to gather evidence for more effective addiction treatments.
What other medical breakthroughs are being funded?
The MRFF Early to Mid-Career Researchers initiative has distributed funding across a wide range of medical specialties. According to UNSW, the projects aim to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact for several critical health areas.
Key areas of focus include:
- Infectious Disease: Developing faster diagnostic tests for gonorrhoea and advancing HIV research.
- Cancer Care: Addressing inequities in cancer care.
- Chronic Conditions: Improving care for chronic breathlessness.
- Public Health: Enhancing regional healthcare access and addressing ageing.
- Mental Health: Investigating addiction treatments and mental health support.
Professor Bronwyn Fox, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise at UNSW, stated that these grants recognize the “outstanding calibre” of the university’s early and mid-career researchers.
How will these projects impact regional healthcare?
A significant portion of the research is directed toward improving healthcare access in regional areas. By focusing on regionality and equity, the funded projects aim to close the gap in how different populations receive medical attention, particularly in cancer care and infectious disease diagnostics.
Why is this research critical for Australian public health?
The funding targets “complex health challenges” that require practical solutions. By supporting researchers at the early to mid-career stage, the MRFF aims to build a sustainable pipeline of innovation in the Australian medical landscape.
Professor Fox noted that the funding will support the development of practical solutions, such as faster diagnostic technologies and improved access to rural healthcare. This breadth of research ensures that the medical community is prepared for both chronic ageing-related issues and sudden infectious disease outbreaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MRFF?
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is a federal government initiative designed to support medical research that addresses Australia’s most pressing health challenges.
How much funding did UNSW receive?
UNSW researchers secured more than $9 million through the MRFF Early to Mid-Career Researchers initiative.
Is psilocybin currently a legal treatment for addiction?
The research led by Professor Jonathan Brett is an investigation to evaluate its effectiveness; there are currently no approved medications specifically for methamphetamine dependence.
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