Improving water quality to save lives

Early Career Research Seed Funding

Approximately 165,000 healthcare-acquired infections occur each year in Australia, with hospital tap water identified as a crucial and controllable, yet overlooked, source of these infections.

Alarmingly, microbes residing in hospital water and fixtures can cause infection and significantly contribute to patient deaths – a global health concern exacerbated by the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Thanks to community support for Early Career Research Seed Funding, Flinders University environmental microbiologist, Associate Professor Harriet Whiley was able to lead an Australia-first investigation into the prevalence of waterborne microbes in healthcare settings.

“The funding enabled me to collaborate with an industry partner for initial sampling, and covered the costs of consumables needed to analyse the hospital water and fixture biofilm samples,” says Associate Professor Whiley.

“The ECR Seed Funding gave me the opportunity to deliver real-world research that will saves lives,” says Associate Professor Harriet Whiley.

“With this new data on microbe prevalence and the risk it poses to patients, we can now improve infection control measures, reduce healthcare-associated infections, and ultimately save lives.”

Associate Professor Whiley is now collaborating with a range of industry stakeholders including, hydraulic engineers, building designers and plumbers, to develop effective building design and water management systems necessary for managing infection control and protecting patients.

Supported by seed funding, this important study has equipped her with valuable career-advancing skills in research leadership, project management, collaboration, and translating research into real-world solutions.

“The ECR Seed Funding gave me the opportunity to deliver real-world research that will save lives, and has positioned me as a research leader in the microbiology field.”

Shining a light on this important research, Associate Professor Whiley has shared her findings at national and international academic and industry conferences and workshops.

She deeply appreciates the community’s support that has made this life-changing research possible.

“I want to thank the donors for their generosity. This funding was a vital springboard in launching my career and has opened many incredible opportunities.”

You can provide critical support for our early career researchers to explore new ground in research that will change lives and improve our community.

100% of your tax-deductible donation will support the work of emerging researchers through Flinders University’s Early Career Research Seed Funding grant program.

Donate today

^{_{Published October 2024. Author: Lynda Allen.}}

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