Rotary Belconnen provides $42,000 to fund research into causes of Parkinson’s disease

The Belconnen Rotary Club recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary and celebrates 50 years of its Trash and Treasure Market this coming September. The Club has raised more than $8.0 million in that time through market operations every Sunday, rain, hail or shine, with the help of the partnership with other local Rotary Clubs who assist with the weekly staffing of the market.

 

To celebrate 50 years of service, the Belconnen Rotary Club sought a significant community project, and, after much consideration, Past President Rod Gardiner proposed a partnership with Australian Rotary Health (ARH) to fund a medical research scholarship. Initially, it was hoped that such a scholarship could be found through the Australian National University or University of Canberra medical school, but this was not achievable.

Late in 2023, ARH advised the Belconnen Rotary Club they had a suitable candidate who would be studying at the University of Sydney, undertaking doctoral research into causes of Parkinson’s disease which affects a significant number of Australians. A scholarship would be available with the Rotary Club partnering with ARH to fund a three-year scholarship. The Rotary Club agreed to fund a research scholarship at the cost of A$42,000 over three years, with an extension of A$6,000.

 

ARH recently advised the Belconnen Rotary Club that the selected student has completed initial studies in Medical Imaging Technology (Bachelor of Science, 1^st Class), followed by a Master of Research (Distinction) in Medical Imaging at the Nottingham University (UK). The successful applicant, Ajay, has been accepted and will commence his Doctor of Philosophy at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, in March 2024, to complete a three year scholarship jointly funded by ARH and the Belconnen Rotary Club.