Wounds Australia has announced University of Sydney Professor of Wound Care and Skin Integrity Professor Michelle Barakat-Johnson and Canberra Hospital Clinical Nurse Consultant in Tissue Viability Ann Marie Dunk CNC as recipients of its latest Research Grants. The awards were formally presented at the Wounds Australia 2026 Conference in Adelaide.

The grants support research that advances knowledge and improves outcomes in wound prevention and management, helping strengthen the evidence base that underpins clinical practice.

Prof. Barakat-Johnson received funding for a project focused on advancing pressure injury prevention and management through innovative, evidence-based approaches with the potential to improve patient outcomes and inform best-practice care.

Ms Dunk, in collaboration with Professor Dimitri Beeckman, was awarded funding to investigate neonatal incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), an under-researched area with important implications for skin integrity and quality of care in vulnerable neonatal populations.

Supporting new evidence in wound care

Applications for the latest Wounds Australia Research Grants were opened earlier this year, inviting proposals addressing significant issues in wound care theory or practice or contributing new knowledge through fundamental or applied wound-related research.

The grants form part of our commitment to supporting high-quality research that can strengthen clinical practice, contribute to guidelines and models of care and ultimately improve outcomes for people at risk of, or living with, wounds and skin integrity complications.

Wounds Australia Research Committee Chair Professor Christina Parker congratulated both recipients and said investment in research remained central to strengthening evidence-based wound care.

"These projects highlight the breadth of research needed to continue advancing wound and skin integrity care," Prof. Parker said. "From strengthening pressure injury prevention and management to building knowledge in an under-researched area such as neonatal incontinence-associated dermatitis, both projects have the potential to generate evidence that can make a meaningful contribution to clinical practice.

"We are delighted to support Professor Barakat-Johnson and Ann Marie through the Wounds Australia Research Grants and look forward to seeing the knowledge their work generates."

Join Wounds Australia

Research Grants are one of the many opportunities available to Wounds Australia members, alongside scholarships, professional learning, networking and member benefits.

Join Wounds Australia today and be part of Australia's national peak body for chronic wounds.