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RACGP’s Foundation invests $654,000 in GP-led research

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From healthy ageing and diabetes to artificial intelligence and workforce sustainability, more than will be invested in Australian general practice research and capacity building in 2026 to help improve care for patients and communities across the country.
 
On Tuesday, the RACGP announced the recipients of the 2026 Research Grants and Awards, with the Australian General Practice Research Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, investing more than $654,000 through 13 grants and awards supporting 66 researchers across Australia.
 
This brings the Foundation’s total investment in 2026 to $868,000 across grants and awards, PhD scholarships and GP26 conference awards.
 
The research projects focus on issues GPs encounter every day and aim to generate practical evidence that can be translated into better patient care, stronger health systems and improved health outcomes.
 
The research spans aged care, diabetes, kidney health and medication safety, child and adolescent health, reproductive and postnatal care, older driver safety, GP wellbeing, workforce development, digital environments, artificial intelligence (AI), and cancer screening.
 
Leading this year’s funding round are four major grants tackling significant national health priorities.
 
The Ageing Well Research Grant, co-funded by the Wicking Trust, will support Associate Professor Joel Rhee’s research into improving care transitions for older Australians. With more than 18% of Australians aged 65 years or over, the project aims to reduce avoidable hospitalisations and support healthy ageing.
 
The Health Services Research in General Practice Grant, co-funded by the HCF Research Foundation, will support Dr Lilijana Gorringe’s work exploring digital environments as a determinant of health and developing practical tools to help GPs address digital influences on patient wellbeing.
 
Through the Diabetes in General Practice Research Grant, Dr Marzieh Niknami will identify unmet needs in diabetes care from both GP and patient perspectives.
 
The Therapeutic Guidelines Quality Use of Medicines Research Grant, funded by Therapeutic Guidelines Limited, will support Dr Abira Chandrakumar’s research into chronic kidney disease and medication safety.
 
Several other projects focus on emerging opportunities and challenges for general practice.
 
A grant awarded to Dr Michael Tran will investigate how AI tools influence GP cognitive load, wellbeing and professional confidence. As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in healthcare, the project aims to better understand how these tools can support clinical practice while protecting clinician wellbeing.
 
Full list of 2026 Foundation Grant and Award recipients:

• Ageing Well Research Grant, co-funded by the Wicking Trust: Associate Professor Joel Rhee, $150,000
• Health Services Research in General Practice Grant, co-funded by the HCF Research Foundation: Dr Lilijana Gorringe, $120,000
• Therapeutic Guidelines Quality Use of Medicines Research Grant, funded by Therapeutic Guidelines Limited: Dr Abira Chandrakumar, $99,524
• Diabetes in General Practice Research Grant, co-funded by Diabetes Australia: Dr Marzieh Niknami, $90,000
• Injury Prevention and Recovery in General Practice Grant, funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission: Professor Katharine Wallis, $50,000
• GP Wellbeing Grant: Associate Professor Jill Benson, $40,000
• Digital Resilience Grant, funded by Best Practice: Dr Michael Tran, $35,000
• ANEDGP South Australia Innovation Grant: Professor Paul Lord, $20,000
• Family Medical Care Education and Research Grant: Dr Nadia Lusis, $20,000
• Chris Silagy Research Grant: Dr Niamh Dove, $15,000
• RACGP Western Australia Research Grant: Dr Samantha Hodges, $8864
• Walpole Grieve Award: Dr Kirthana Ketheeswaran, $5000
• Charles Bridges-Webb Memorial Award: Dr Rebecca Drygala, $1000 

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the projects demonstrate the vital role research plays in strengthening primary healthcare and addressing the evolving challenges facing general practice.
 
‘Some of the best research questions start in the consulting room, when a GP sees an opportunity to improve care,’ he said.
 
‘These grants back practical, GP-led research grounded in the needs of patients, communities and general practice. The projects will help turn evidence into meaningful change, from safer prescribing and earlier identification of disease to stronger aged care, workforce sustainability and GP wellbeing.
 
‘Many of the funded projects are focused not only on generating new evidence, but on developing practical tools and solutions that can be adopted in general practice and deliver benefits for patients sooner.
 
‘That reflects a broader shift towards research with a clear pathway to implementation, helping GPs translate evidence into better care for their patients and communities.’
 
Australian General Practice Research Foundation Patron Professor Michael Kidd welcomed the breadth and impact of this year’s funded research.
 
‘I am delighted to see the range of projects being supported through the Foundation’s 2026 grants and awards program,’ he said.
 
‘From healthy ageing and chronic disease to digital health and workforce development, these projects address issues that matter to patients, communities and GPs across Australia.
 
‘They also demonstrate the strength of GP-led research in generating practical solutions that can improve healthcare and strengthen our Australian health system.’
 
The grants were awarded through the Australian General Practice Research Foundation’s annual grants and awards process, made possible through the support of RACGP members, donors and funding partners.
 
In addition to the grants and awards, the Foundation will invest further funding through PhD scholarships and GP26 conference awards.
 
The Foundation received more than 100 applications for grants and awards in 2026, up from 83 in 2025.
 
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