CF Research
Cystic Fibrosis WA (CFWA) funds research to advance our understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and to provide better support for those with CF and their families. This research is funded through generous donations and part proceeds of CFWA fundraising activities.
How We Choose What Research to Fund
CFWA’s research priorities are guided by a Research Strategy which highlights our aspirations and the principles by which CFWA research funding is prioritised and governed. CFWA will offer research grants or opportunities periodically, in line with the strategy.
CFWA utilises the independent Australian CF Research Trust (ACFRT) to administer grant rounds, application review; and grant award and acquittal processes. The purpose of the trust is to secure funding from public, private and corporate entities and allocate funds for high quality peer reviewed research. The ACFRT is administrated by Cystic Fibrosis Australia (CFA) and supported by CF organisations from across Australia.
CFWA’s Current Research Programs
WA Cystic Fibrosis Research Collaborative Program
The WA Cystic Fibrosis Research Collaborative Program is a partnership between the Western Australian Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and Cystic Fibrosis WA (CFWA), in collaboration with Conquer Cystic Fibrosis (CCF).
Postgraduate Top-Up Scholarships
CFWA funds postgraduate top-up scholarships, to encourage researchers to pursue and maintain CF related careers. We want to help as many early career researchers as possible conduct research projects on CF for higher degree study.
Scholarships are advertised at least annually, with a value of $12,500 per annum for three years, for students who are conducting research for a higher degree (PhD, MD or equivalent) on a CF related research project.
The scholarships are awarded to individuals who already have an award of a studentship and fees, such as an APA, a University postgraduate award, an NHMRC Studentship or equivalent. Applications are welcome from those carrying out laboratory, clinical, allied health or public health projects.
Innovation Grants
CFWA aims to fund a significant innovation grant annually, as a catalyst for new or novel CF research. These grants enable post-doctoral researchers to explore novel concepts at feasibility stage and generate sufficient data to position to secure ongoing funding support.
Grants are advertised with an indicative award value of $80,000 awarded to one applicant for one year. The actual amount provided will be subject to approval of the applicant’s budget.
The scholarships are awarded to post-doctoral researchers currently working in or proposing to work in CF research. The researcher will have completed a research higher degree in CF or a related area within the last ten years.
Other CFWA Funded Research
In addition to post graduate scholarships and innovation grants, CFWA provides funding for other research endeavours periodically. This may include research fellowships, discrete projects or initiatives to advance research capability.
For more information on our current programs, please contact our Finance and Administration Manager via email (accounts@cfwa.org.au) or on 08 6224 4100.
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials are an important part of developing new treatments for CF. Cystic Fibrosis Australia (CFA) publishes information about CF clinical trials in Australia, including how you or your child can get involved. CFWA also shares details through our community networks.
Little Lungs Big Futures Research Project
Little Lungs Big Futures was a collaborative CF research project undertaken over 2016 – 2019, one of the largest ever undertaken in the southern hemisphere, with its origins in WA. This ground-breaking research project was targeting the reduction of structural lung damage in infants with CF.
Little Lungs Big Futures research was led out of the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth with collaborators in Victoria, Queensland and the USA.
Drug Development Pipeline
To view the current status of CF drugs in development or already in use in Australia, you can read CFA’s Drug Development Pipeline.