Grant to investigate bush medicines

SOUTHERN Cross University researcher Dr Alana Gall has secured a $640,000 grant to explore the role of bush medicine in Australian healthcare, marking a significant investment in Indigenous health research.

The funding comes from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grants scheme, supported by the federal government.

An Indigenous researcher originally from Tasmania, Dr Gall developed an interest in nutritional medicine early on.

Now a postdoctoral research fellow at SCU’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, she is committed to preserving traditional medicines for future generations, advocating for their recognition under international laws, and ensuring greater accessibility for First Nations communities across Australia.

“Despite initiatives, including Closing the Gap, disparities persist in health outcomes for First Nations peoples,” Dr Gall said.

“We need to focus on community-driven solutions that align with First Peoples’ ways of knowing, being and doing.” This encompasses plant medicines, native foods, healing ceremonies, spiritual medicine, Traditional Healers, and both the tangible and intangible healing aspects of Country.

“We need to make sure Cultural Medicines are appropriately regulated for the health and safety of all Australians and that First Nations Intellectual Property is protected from biopiracy.”

Dr Gall previously produced a free worksheet for children during the COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration with Wingaru Kids about antimicrobial bush medicines.

National Health and Medical Research Council chief executive Steve Wesselingh said the total funding for investigator grants came to $422 million this year.

“NHMRC funds investigator-led research where Australia’s highest performing health and medical researchers set out to achieve ambitious goals of improving the health and wellbeing of the Australian community,” he said.

The project is partnered by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.