Prof Franz Babl awarded $3.8 million MRFF grant

Professor Franz Babl and the PREDICT emergency research network have been awarded a $3.8 million Rapid Applied Research Translation (RART) MRFF grant to spearhead a nation-wide project to boost healthcare and research across regional and rural Australia with a focus on bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is an acute lung disease caused by viral infections and the most common reason for hospital admissions in infants.

Professor Babl said the project would help to build Australia’s national capacity in research and innovation.

“The project will involve 30 different hospitals in seven states and territories, bringing together rural, regional and urban hospitals,” he said.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure that no matter where a young child is in Australia, that they are able to receive the best possible care for acute illnesses.”