Griffith Health's Heidi Muenchberger among the recipients of 2014 Australian Fulbright Scholarship

How a building can improve health and healing after injury or illness is the focus of a study by Associate Professor Heidi Muenchberger, a recently announced recipient of the 2014 Australian-American Fulbright Commission Scholarships.

An extension of her 15 year research agenda in catastrophic injury and healing environments, Associate Professor Muenchberger from the Griffith Health Institute, said the research will represent a seminal international collaboration with world experts in this area.

“An immediate impact will be applying the latest design innovations to Australian outpatient environments and this will have broader relevance to the way we think about health environments for other illness and injury groups such as aged care and paediatric services.”

Due to be officially announced at a presentation dinner at Brisbane City Hall on March 6, the 2014 Fulbright scholars join a community of nearly 5000 alumni who have completed their Fulbright scholarship since the Australian-American organisation was established sixty five years ago.

Thirty one recipients from every state and territory in Australia will receive support to travel to America in a post-graduate, post-doctoral, senior or professional capacity. Scholars will complete research across a range of fields, including science, technology, the arts, education and public policy.

Executive Director for the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, Dr Tangerine Holt, said: “The calibre of our 2014 scholars is exceptional. These remarkable individuals were chosen because of their talent as well as their passion to translate their research in Australia and globally. From agricultural science to astrophysics, I am proud that these extraordinary Australians will make a difference to change the world. ”

Griffith University’s Dr Vinay Rane and Professor Haig Patapan were also among the recipients of the 2014 Australian Fulbright Scholarship.