MEDIA RELEASE
FUNDING FOR RESEARCH INTO H1N1 INFLUENZA 09 (HUMAN SWINE
INFLUENZA)
Friday 29 May 2009
The Australian Government, through the National Health and Research Council, will provide $7 million for
research into the H1NI influenza 09 virus (human swine influenza).
The funds will help researchers learn more about the properties of the virus and its potential to become
more virulent and how best to avoid and treat infection.
This research will commence in June 2009 with results expected to be reported by December 2009.
This work will build on earlier research that has supported the national and international response to the
current situation.
Australia has high quality researchers in virology (virus biology) and public health who can contribute to
our efforts to combat this, and future, flu threats.
Researchers will focus on two areas:
biology of the virus, including the progress of mutations, likely increase or decrease in virulence,
susceptibility to antivirals, and the risk of combination with other influenza virus strains.
health care, including quarantining, effective population based use of antivirals, advice on public
health measures and messages and the factors that put individuals at higher risk.
The NHMRC has funded over $10m for 119 studies into influenza in the last three years.
From mid next week interested health and medical researchers will be able to access further information
and applications for research funding at www.nhmrc.gov.au. Expressions of interest will close on Monday
22nd June.
Media contact:
Carolyn Norrie, NHMRC, 0422 008 512 or 02 6217 9190
NEWS 
