A collaborative initiative from the Heart Foundation and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. 

Applications are now CLOSED

The Heart Foundation and beyondblue: the national depression initiative are partnering to fund strategic research of up to $3.5M in the area of depression and cardiovascular disease. This partnership aims to build research capacity and to contribute to better understanding of the links between depression and cardiovascular disease. Applications for funding are invited from researchers who would like to pursue research in this area.

In 2003 the Heart Foundation, working with beyondblue, identified the real and significant risk to coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with depression, social isolation and lack of social support. The increased risk contributed by these psychosocial factors is of similar order to the more conventional CHD risk factors such as smoking, dyslipidaemia and hypertension (Bunker et al. 2003, MJA 178(6): 272-276). The co-existence of depression with coronary heart disease is associated with a 2-5 fold increased risk in adverse outcome (Schrader et al. 2005, MJA 182(6): 272-276). While it is expected that the recognition and treatment of depression improves mental health and quality of life in the presence of heart disease, there are only a few studies completed in this area. Moreover, the effectiveness of various combinations of psycho-behavioural, medication or other therapeutic avenues are not well-defined.

The aim of this Strategic Research Program focusing on cardiovascular disease and depression is to improve health outcomes for people with depression and cardiovascular disease or risk through the developing and testing of effective treatments and/or health practices. The program will support quality research that is practical, with specific endpoints and clearly defined pathways to care.

Grants of 1 - 5 years duration with a total funding value of $10,000 - $3,500,000 (exclusive of GST) are invited. Funding will be awarded based on relevance, project potential, merit/feasibility and track record. The Heart Foundation and beyondblue may fund a combination of large and small projects using the criteria of relevance and quality as crucial elements of the final funding decision(s).

The closing date for this grant funding is 5.00pm, Friday 15 August 2008. The call for applications document containing detailed information about the grants, the instructions to applicants, the conditions of award and full application form are available at www.heartfoundation.org.au and www.beyondblue.org.au.

For more information, please contact Lisa Allwell at beyondblue on (03) 9810 6100 or via email at lisa.allwell@beyondblue.org.au. The call for applications document containing detailed information about the grants, and the Expression of Interest form are attached.