The first bursaries from the Fiona Bradley Foundation were presented by Ms Liz McManus, the Labour TD, at Trinity College Dublin last night.
The awards were made to fund studies and projects selected to reflect Dr Bradley's commitment to improving healthcare for disadvantaged groups.
Four individuals received funding - Dr Simon Mills plans to research the ethics of resource allocation in healthcare; Ms Marie Durnin, public health nurse, will look at parent training and capacity building for low-income families; new services for those with rheumatoid arthritis will be investigated by Ms Niamh Merriman, community occupational therapist and Ms Helen Deely was awarded a bursary to examine primary healthcare delivery in South Africa.
The foundation was established in memory of Dr Fiona Bradley, who died last year of cancer, aged 41. She had a passionate interest in providing the best medical care to those suffering from physical and social deprivation. The memorial awards seek to encourage healthcare workers with similar aspirations, by enabling them to broaden their knowledge through travel and education.
The foundation is a charitable organisation under the auspices of the Trinity Foundation and is managed by the department of community health and general practice in Trinity.