A generous bequest to the Menzies Research Institute has enabled the Institute to expand its internationally renowned research program by offering research scholarships to six new postgraduate students.

A generous bequest to the Menzies Research Institute has enabled the Institute to expand its internationally renowned research program by offering research scholarships to six new postgraduate students.

The research topics of the scholars focus on some of the most common and chronic diseases affecting Australians today, ranging from osteoarthritis to mental illness and factors which may influence breast cancer.

Last year the Institute received a generous donation from the late Ruby Menzie, who made the gift in her Will to assist medical research conducted at the Institute. The funds have been allocated to a new scholarship program - the Ruby Menzie Scholarship in Population Health Research.

The University of Tasmania has recognised this substantial commitment by the Institute towards postgraduate students and has agreed to provide matching funds. The resulting sum of more than $540,000 has enabled the recruitment of four PhD scholars, with two more still to be appointed.

Scholar Stella Foley plans to study the relationship between physical activity and musculoskeletal health and diseases.

"There has been little research done on radiographic arthritis and the effects of habitual physical activity, that is, the physical activity that results from just going about your daily tasks," she said.

"Arthritis is Australia's major cause of disability and chronic pain. This scholarship will enable me to make a real contribution towards better understanding and treatment of this debilitating condition."

Menzies Research Institute Director, Professor Simon Foote, said: "Postgraduate students have traditionally made a very significant contribution to the research output of the Institute.

"We are very grateful for this generous bequest from the late Mrs Menzie. The expansion of our research programs is just one step in the continuing growth and development of the Institute," he said.

Mrs Ruby Menzie lived in Tasmania all her life and worked in the health care field as a nurse. A family member says she was a selfless individual, and this bequest is an example of generosity and commitment to the Tasmanian community and medical research throughout her life.

The University of Tasmania has set ambitious targets to increase the number of research higher degree students at the University in coming years. The Menzies Research Institute is pleased to be part of the University's continuing growth and success.

Staff at the Menzies Research Institute celebrate these new scholarships as a lead up to Medical Research Week, which runs from 4-13 June. The University of Tasmania is hosting several Medical Research Week events, including a dinner next Thursday 9 June at the Hotel Grand Chancellor at which Australian of the Year, Dr Fiona Wood, is the keynote speaker.

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