A pioneering project led by Western’s School of Medicine and the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) has secured more than $990,000 in funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) 2024 MRFF Early to Mid-Career Researchers Initiative. The funding will be used to develop safe nutrition messaging for schools aimed at supporting youth mental health.
The Early to Mid-Career Researchers Initiative is designed to help emerging research leaders make breakthrough discoveries, enhance their skills, and tackle persistent health issues. This initiative also accelerates the translation of research into practical applications that can transform healthcare and health systems.
The Significance of the Project
The research team, led by Associate Professor Gabriella Heruc from Western’s School of Medicine, THRI, and the Eating Disorders and Nutrition Research Group (ENRG), will use the funding to implement safe nutrition messaging in Australian schools. With eating disorders now affecting 22% of children and adolescents, the project will address a critical need by developing world-first guidelines for safe nutrition messaging tailored to both primary and secondary schools.
The primary goal is to equip schools and teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to promote positive food and nutrition messages that can support young people’s mental health. As part of the project, introductory online teacher training and classroom resources will be co-designed and piloted to ensure educators have access to the best guidelines for safe nutrition messaging.
Research Team and Collaboration
The research project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including:
- Dr. Catharine Fleming (School of Health Sciences, THRI, and ENRG)
- Dr. Sarah Kennedy (School of Health Sciences and THRI)
- Dr. Lyza Norton (School of Medicine and ENRG)
- Professor Robert Gorkin (THRI)
Additionally, Dr. Kirrilly Pursey from the University of Newcastle will contribute her expertise, adding a cross-institutional collaboration aspect to the project.
Institutional and Organizational Support
The project will receive additional support from institutions across Australia, including University of Technology Sydney, Victoria University, Deakin University, Monash University, James Cook University, Mickleham Secondary College, and University of Adelaide. Key partner organizations include:
- The Embrace Collective
- Dietitians Australia
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration
- Eating Disorders Families Australia
- Australian Council of Health, Physical Education & Recreation
- Nutrition Australia ACT
- Nutrition Australia Queensland
- Life Education Australia
Expected Impact
This project will have a far-reaching impact on youth mental health by creating a supportive environment where young people receive positive nutrition messages in their schools. By training teachers and developing resources that emphasize safe and positive nutrition practices, the initiative aims to help prevent eating disorders and improve the mental well-being of young Australians.
Professor Deborah Sweeney, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise, and Global) at Western, praised the project, highlighting the excellence and innovation of the university’s researchers. She emphasized that this project reflects Western’s commitment to addressing complex global health challenges and is a step toward transformative change in youth mental health care.
