New Research Grant Awarded to Explore Virtual Reality and Cultural Connection in Hospital Care

The Hopkins Centre congratulates Michelle Porter and her research team on receiving a 2025 Metro South Health Research Support Scheme – Novice Researcher Grant, funded by the PA Research Foundation. 

   

This grant of up to $25,000 will support the project 'Using Virtual Reality to Connect to Culture: Aims to Improve Psychological Functioning During Hospital Admissions'.

Led by Principal Investigator Michelle Porter, Senior Psychologist at Logan Hospital, the project will explore how virtual reality (VR) technology can be used to help patients maintain cultural connection during hospital stays, with the aim of improving psychological wellbeing and overall patient experience.

The multidisciplinary research team brings together clinical and academic expertise from Logan Hospital, Griffith University and The Hopkins Centre, including Dr Michael Norwood, Professor Louise Gustafsson, Joshua Jacob and Alexandra Deane. 

 

This innovative project reflects The Hopkins Centre’s commitment to inclusive, person-centred research that enhances wellbeing and quality of care for people with disability and complex health needs.

The Centre looks forward to supporting the team as the research progresses and to sharing outcomes from this important work.