Fresh Perspectives in Psychiatry: The Foundation’s Role in Supporting New Ideas

In this episode, Associate Professor John Allan and Dr Rory Hutchinson interview recent recipients of RANZCP Foundation grants and scholarships, discussing their research projects, what inspired them to pursue psychiatric research, and the challenges and rewards of their work. Associate Professor Nicola Warren, Chair of the Committee for Research, also joins the conversation to explore what makes a successful grant, the importance of teamwork in research and the power of infectious curiosity! 

The RANZCP Foundation is the College charity and funds clinical research in psychiatry. Discover more: https://www.ranzcp.org/grants-awards-giving/ranzcp-foundation/about-the-foundation.

Dr Sean Halstead is a trainee and is studying at the University of Queensland. He was awarded the inaugural Foundation Partners PhD scholarship for his research into the health burden of multiple chronic physical conditions in people living with severe mental illness. 

Dr Jacqueline Huber is a Senior Staff Specialist Psychiatrist at St Vincent’s Hospital and is studying at the University of Sydney. She was awarded the 2024 Trisno Family PhD scholarship and for her research: Psychiatric Emergency Care Centres: what are they good for? 

Dr Yoon Kwon Choi is a trainee at the Queensland Centre of Excellence for Autism and Intellectual Disability at Mater Hospital. In 2024, he was awarded a Beverley Raphael New Investigator Grant for his research into the barriers faced by Korean-speaking people in Australia with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder in accessing healthcare. 

Dr Malcolm Forbes is a consultant psychiatrist and psychogeriatrician at Barwon Health. In 2022, he was awarded the Trisno Family PhD Scholarship for his research into the biological factors associated with depression in older Australians, with the aim of improving diagnosis and identifying new treatments. 

Associate Professor Nicola Warren is a neuropsychiatrist, Queensland Director of 
Psychiatry Training, and the Mental Health Course Coordinator at the University of Queensland. She was the recipient of the RANZCP Early Career Psychiatrist Award in 2019 and is the Chair of the RANZCP Committee for Research. 

RANZCP-Foundation-2024-Impact-Report.pdf

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.