The Sved Williams Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perinatal and Infant Mental Health

Purpose

Contribute to achieving better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and their children in the first 1,000 days of their children’s lives; and expand current knowledge and build capacity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perinatal and infant psychiatry.

The funding can be used for

research into practices which bring better family support at family formation,
translation of evaluated programs to other places in Australia,
developing or delivering mental health literacy initiatives,
training or education, or
other purposes linked to achieving the objectives of the scholarship.

Value

Up to A$50,000 over two years.

Eligibility

RANZCP Fellows and Associates (trainees) who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

A team of applicants may apply, however at least one team member must meet the above eligibility criteria and must also be the lead primary research or project lead.

Potential areas of research

Which Aboriginal communities have better outcomes for their infants and why?
What programs are currently available to urban/rural Aboriginal people around Australia and what does the outcome data show?
Visiting an Aboriginal community to set up and evaluate a mother-infant program which has good outcome data in other populations – how does the program need cultural adaptation?
Interviewing a series of Aboriginal women to understand themes of what would work in terms of a therapeutic intervention.

The Foundation may be able to help facilitate some informal support to help you define your project. Please contact us at foundation@ranzcp.org.

This scholarship is generously supported by A/Prof. Anne Sved Williams AM FRANZCP and Dr Tony Williams.

"About 20 years ago, I attended a weekend at Iga Wata, run by Adnyamathanha women who taught us about traditional women’s ways regarding birthing and child-rearing practices where the power of community, the anchoring in Country, and strengths of long-established practices in maintaining a thriving life were clear.
This scholarship aims to fund research to help understand how to better work with and empower Aboriginal families and revitalize their cultural strengths. I would love to help a spark grow with indigenous psychiatrists/trainees who share my passion for working at this special time of life within Aboriginal communities".

A/Prof. Anne Sved Williams AM FRANZCP

How to apply 

Please read the terms of reference. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation to discuss your idea and the type of support you are seeking before submitting your application form.

Please send all applications or queries to foundation@ranzcp.org.

Key dates

Applications may be submitted at any time.