Photo: getregional.com.au

Initial studies show stressful working conditions are a major risk factor for mental health problems and suicide among men, and the research aims to find the reasons and link workplaces into health services which can help.

Dr Allison Milner has received a four-year fellowship to research the issue and develop solutions – one of three worth up to $800,000 each – granted under the Labor Government’s $20 million plan to ensure Victoria stays a world leader in health and medical research that has the power to change lives.

The fellowship is intended to develop initiatives and strategies, in association with workplaces and the business community, to reduce the incidence of mental health and rates of suicide in working age men by linking them into health services.

The other fellowship recipients include:

• Dr Bernard Pope, to develop solutions to aid the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer
• Associate Professor Ilana Ackerman, to research how and why hip and knee replacements can sometimes fail, and develop methods to minimise it

Last November, a new Science, Medical Research & Technology Panel was established to drive leadership and excellence in Victorian health and medical research, attracting more investment and jobs to Victoria.

The Labor Government is also investing in a range of suicide prevention measures across the state, with $27 million over four years for the Suicide Prevention Framework.