NICM and Blackmores Institute PhD scholarships now open

Higher Degree Research students with an interest in the fields of mental health and herbal medicine are encouraged to apply for two new scholarships available at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), Western Sydney University.(opens in a new window)

Provided in partnership with the Blackmores Institute,(opens in a new window) the scholarships will support two PhD students over three years.

PhD candidates can apply online until Monday 26 November at:

The mental health PhD project will involve the design and study of an integrative model to treat depression, including nutraceuticals and lifestyle medicine under the supervision of Professor Jerome Sarris.

Professor Dennis Chang and Professor Stephen Myers will supervise the PhD project focused on osteoarthritis. The successful PhD scholarship recipient for this project will use a randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a standardised herbal formulation.*

NICM Director Professor Alan Bensoussan says, "Providing outstanding Higher Degree Research training and education is essential for Australia's competitiveness in research and innovation."

"Our students develop outstanding research skills and gain an interdisciplinary perspective that prepares them for an ever-changing research and professional environment.

"These scholarships play an important role in supporting Australia's next generation of world-class researchers and build upon the evidence-base in these fields to better inform and guide clinicians, health professionals and Australians."

This is the second year that Blackmores Institute has supported Higher Degree Research students at NICM in this capacity.

PhD candidate Saumya Perera and 2016 recipient of a NICM and Blackmores Institute scholarship encourages other PhD candidates to apply.

"Without the financial support of the scholarship, my PhD would not have been possible. It has assisted me greatly in being able to proceed with my career goals and interest in pharmacology and I highly encourage others to apply for the 2017 scholarships", she said.

Perera says she will use her experience and training gained during her PhD scholarship to build her career as a researcher and utilise her experience and knowledge in future to benefit the world of science and discovery.

Director of Blackmores Institute, Associate Professor Lesley Braun said: "We are passionate advocates of the positive role complementary medicine can play in healthcare so are proud to be supporting the second round of these PhD scholarships.

"This second round of scholarships will further support early career researchers, build research capacity and expand the scientific knowledge base for complementary and integrative medicine.

"NICM is a world-class research institute with an ERA5 rating so provides an excellent opportunity for motivated researchers to progress their career within a high-quality centre. I strongly encourage those with a passion for complementary and integrative medicine, and an interest in the PhD fields to apply for the candidature".

Applications close on November 26, further information can be accessed via the NICM Scholarships page.(opens in a new window)

* A standardised herbal medicine product and its placebo will be provided by Blackmores Institute.

ENDS

9 November 2017

Media Contact: Natalie Connor, NICM+61 417 259 054n.connor@westernsydney.edu.au

Source: NICM and Blackmores Institute PhD scholarships now open