Since 2007, EMF has invested more than $26.9 million into 328 clinician-led research projects across Queensland. This year, EMF celebrated one of its largest Grants Award Ceremonies, recognising a record cohort of funded projects and marking a significant investment in emergency medicine research. The awards highlight the strength, diversity and translational impact of clinician-led research across Queensland.
EMF Board Chair Professor Hugh Grantham ASM, said emergency medicine research plays a critical role in strengthening the health system and improving care for patients when they need it most:
“Through EMF’s programs we support frontline clinicians to turn real-world questions into practical evidence that improves care. The true impact of research is realised when that evidence moves beyond publication and into practice, strengthening our health system and delivering better outcomes for patients.”
The Honourable Tim Nicholls MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, reaffirmed Queensland Health’s commitment to supporting emergency medicine research.
“I want to congratulate and encourage all the EMF grant recipients and future applicants to think carefully about the broader change their research can achieve. It does have an impact, it is listened to, and it informs decision-making here in Queensland.”
Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren and Ms Gaenor Walker, Acting Insurance Commissioner at the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), presented certificates to recipients. Ms Walker also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the importance of research that improves trauma care and patient outcomes across Queensland.
Highlights from the ceremony included speeches from researchers whose work demonstrates the real-world impact of EMF funding.
Director of Emergency Medicine Research at Townsville University Hospital Dr Vinay Gangathimmaiah, reflected on how sustained support from EMF has helped build a growing emergency medicine research program in regional Queensland. Beginning with early project funding, his work has expanded into a broader program of research focused on improving patient care and strengthening emergency care systems in the north.
Ms Brooke Charters, Paediatric Emergency Nurse at Gold Coast University Hospital, also shared her journey from receiving EMF’s first grant awarded to a nurse to leading the Foundation’s first-ever TranslatED Research project.
Her research began with a simple clinical question about improving the success of intravenous cannulas in children. Through the Paediatric Reduction in Emergency Cannula Accidental REmoval Trial (PRECARE) and the new KIDS (Keeping Invasive Devices Secure) project, she is now working to embed that evidence into everyday clinical practice, helping clinicians deliver more reliable care and reducing distress for young patients and their families.
“EMF backed a question that started at the bedside,” Ms Charters said. “The PRECARE study showed what works, and with the KIDS project we’re now focused on translating that evidence into everyday practice so clinicians can deliver better care for children.”
Congratulations to all recipients of the 2026 EMF Grants. Their dedication to advancing emergency medicine research is shaping the future of patient care in Queensland and beyond.
View highlights from the ceremony in the full photo gallery below.
Learn more about EMF’s funding programs and upcoming opportunities here.
