Australian Catholic University researchers have been awarded more than $2 million in Australian Research Council grants that could have a positive effect on “education and health outcomes for all”.
Deputy vice-chancellor (research and enterprise) James McLaren said these significant grants were an endorsement of ACU’s research excellence.
“These projects, drawing on community and industry expertise, will lead to real impact on education and health outcomes for all,” Professor McLaren said.
At the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, a team led by director Professor Rhonda Craven is partnering with the Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation on a linkage project to evaluate the effectiveness of literacy and numeracy interventions for Aboriginal preschool and young children. The project was awarded $777,000 in ARC funding.
The Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research has been awarded $554,000 to understand how fat molecules influence cell metabolism, growth and development.
Researchers will collaborate with St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) on the Discovery project. The research will further expand the collaboration between ACU and SVI which last year received funding from the Victorian government for a health precinct on the Melbourne Campus.
Professor Vince Geiger, from the Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, was awarded $382,715. He is leading a research team that will generate new knowledge about critical mathematical thinking.
The Discovery project involves teachers as well as representatives from national curriculum and teacher professional bodies to deliver improved learning outcomes for all students.
ACU researchers have also been successful on grants led by other universities.
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