The NSW Government has committed $2.7 million to support seven university-led research projects aimed at improving end-of-life and palliative care across the state. The funding, announced in Sydney on 8 August 2025, will support projects running over the next three years.
Delivered under the World Class End of Life Care commitment, the funding follows an open and competitive application process, assessed by a panel of experts in palliative care, health policy, and research.
The Research Grant Program has three key objectives:
- to contribute to the evidence base of service delivery that improves health, social and experience outcomes for people with EOLPC needs in NSW
- to support research projects that have potential to be translated into EOLPC policy and practice, providing broad benefits for patients, carers, families, and/or communities across NSW
- to build the capacity of collaborative EOLPC research involving research institutes, NSW Health agencies, non-government organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The seven successful projects were selected for their strong alignment with these objectives and their potential to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients and families.
“This research will translate into improved services and enhanced care for patients, families and carers who receive palliative care in NSW.
Personally I am thrilled to see our universities put together such strong applications for such a diverse range of projects, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work that went into each, whether successful or not.” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
The research projects to be funded are:
- The University of Newcastle – Stability and Compatibility of commonly used palliative care medications administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion: Improving best evidence for practice change.
Focuses on palliative care patients across all regions of NSW. It will test the stability and compatibility of commonly used medication combinations, aiming to support safer and more flexible prescribing. The findings will help reduce the need for daily syringe driver reloads, especially benefiting patients in remote, rural and regional areas where daily palliative care support is limited. This will improve patient comfort with home-based care.
- University of Technology Sydney – Caring for our community in a new home: End-of-life care for refugee communities
This activity targets resettled refugee communities living in South Western Sydney LHD, with particular attention to those accessing or in need of end of life and palliative care services.
- University of NSW – Evaluation of a tailored model of palliative care for people with intellectual disability
This activity focuses on people with intellectual disability receiving palliative care within South Eastern Sydney LHD, and the professionals and carers who support them.
- University of Sydney – Implementing a Model of Bereavement Care for the Palliative Care service across Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
Project is for bereaved families and carers supported by Nepean Blue Mountains LHD palliative care services. Health staff and volunteers delivering this care will also benefit from improved systems and support. The District covers Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, and Lithgow (urban and semi-rural communities).
- University of Technology Sydney – Navigation Model for NSW Palliative Care Services- support for Arabic and Chinese speaking community
Project will develop a culturally tailored support model for Arabic- and Chinese-speaking communities receiving end of life or palliative care. It will also support families, carers, and health professionals. Activity will focus on four clinical sites in South Western Sydney LHD and Sydney LHD, two areas with high cultural and linguistic diversity.
- University of Technology Sydney – Strengthening Empathetic Communication Skills in Palliative Care Trainees
Project targets palliative care trainees from across all NSW local health districts. Patients, families, and carers will also benefit, from receiving care informed by improved clinician communication.
- University of Wollongong – IMPACS-NSW: Improving Palliative Care Screening in NSW Hospitals
This activity focuses on patients in acute care settings with end of life or palliative care needs, particularly those with life-limiting conditions other than cancer. Health professionals and care teams will also benefit from earlier identification and improved referral systems. The study will be conducted across three networks: Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD (two hospitals), South Eastern Sydney LHD (two hospitals), and St Vincent’s Health Network (two wards).
“Research grants like these are critical to improving the care we offer in NSW, especially for end of life patients and their families.
“Each of these projects address priority research areas that were identified through extensive consultation with the NSW palliative care sector, including clinicians, policy managers, academics and advocacy groups.
“I would like to congratulate those universities and their staff who were successful in their applications and wish them the best as they begin their projects.” Minister for Medical Research David Harris