Igniter Fund: Empowering Collaboration, Igniting Change
- wa-sparrc
- May 1, 2025
- 3 min read
In 2024, the Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Centre (SPARRC) continued its mission to support cutting-edge research focused on improving mental health outcomes and preventing suicide. Through the Igniter Fund, five innovative projects were funded that explore diverse and complementary approaches to understanding and mitigating suicide risk. These projects, led by researchers at the forefront of youth mental health and suicide prevention, span from school-based training to neurostimulation, digital sleep therapy, and physiological sensing.
Rewiring the Brain: Exploring Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
Led by Professor Jennifer Rodger, this project investigates the safety and efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for depression in youth aged 15–25. Their proof-of-concept study is currently underway, and participants are being categorized into three groups: those who previously received rTMS, those who had not, and individuals currently undergoing treatment. While data analysis is pending, the project has secured additional funding to expand into a full clinical trial, including studies on rTMS effects in youth with suicidal ideation. The ultimate goal is to validate rTMS as a safe, effective treatment and integrate it into standard mental health practices.
To read more about Jenny's work please see her UWA research profile:
Dital Solutions: CBT-I Program Targeting Insomnia and Depression
Dr. Cele Richardson's research focuses on the "Bedtime Window," a digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) program designed to alleviate insomnia, depression, and suicidality in young adults. Utilizing a mixed-model design, the study compares the digital CBT-I program against a waitlist sleep education control across multiple time points. Preliminary findings indicate significant reductions in insomnia and depression symptoms in the treatment group, sustained over a six-month follow-up. Although changes in suicidal ideation were not statistically significant, the program did not exacerbate these thoughts, suggesting its safety for broader use. Approximately 70 participants have benefited from the program, which addresses barriers to traditional CBT-I access by offering a self-paced, interactive, and free digital solution.
To read more about Cele's work please see her UWA research profile:
Predictive Insights: Leveraging Daily Life Data to Assess Suicide Risk
Under the guidance of Kristin Gainey, this study aims to predict suicide risk states by analysing daily physiological and behavioural data, including heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and physical activity. The study is currently recruiting patients from Perth Clinic's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups and community individuals exhibiting elevated borderline personality disorder traits. Participants to date have shown high engagement with this project and increased self-awareness of important emotion regulation strategies throughout the study, and therapists expressed interest in utilising daily summaries to inform treatment. There are plans to replicate the study with more affordable sensing equipment for broader clinical application.
To read more about Cele's work please see her UWA research profile:
Listening Deeply to Aboriginal Young People: Co-Designing a School-Based Suicide Prevention Resource
This project responds to the urgent need for culturally grounded, school-based suicide prevention resources co-designed with Aboriginal young people. Working collaboratively with schools and Aboriginal communities, the research aims to develop materials that are strengths-based, inclusive, and grounded in young people's lived experiences. Using yarning, creative expression, and participatory co-design methods, this study will elevate Aboriginal voices to inform practical, culturally appropriate interventions.
“Our goal is to ensure that the resources are not just for Aboriginal young people but created with them at the heart of every decision,” said Carlin.
To read more about Emma's work please see her UWA research profile:
The Lonely Today, Tomorrow, Next Week, or Next Month? The Temporal Dynamics of Loneliness project
Led by Professor Stephen Houghton and colleagues, this project focuses on developing the Core Components of Adolescent Loneliness Scale (CCoALS) to measure loneliness in adolescents across multiple dimensions, including duration, distress, and disparity. This groundbreaking research is helping to understand loneliness as a dynamic emotional experience, with findings indicating that loneliness fluctuates over time and can be distressing regardless of duration. The project’s insights will assist in identifying lonely adolescents and guide interventions to prevent mental health issues, including suicide ideation.
To read more about Steve's work please see his UWA research profile:
Looking Ahead
The work of SPARRC-funded researchers in 2024 reflects a powerful shift: toward more accurate, culturally respectful, and emotionally attuned approaches to mental health. From redefining how we measure loneliness in youth to rebuilding clinical systems that honour Aboriginal ways of knowing, these projects are more than research—they are blueprints for change.
With three additional SPARRC-funded projects also underway this year, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark period for suicide prevention research in Australia.
Stay tuned as we continue to share updates and impact stories from the field.
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