NTI has announced its support for a new national scholarship at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
The initiative aims to address the long-term health and safety of the country’s truck drivers through dedicated research.
The NTARC Driving Health Scholarship, funded by NTI and delivered via the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC), will enable a PhD candidate to continue the Driving Health Initiative.
This research program, previously conducted at Monash University, has focused on the physical and mental health of professional drivers across Australia.
The new scholarship will extend this work by investigating emerging health risks within the industry.
“This scholarship underscores a commitment to the long-term wellbeing of the people who keep Australia moving,” said Janelle Greene, NTI chief executive officer. “Driver health contributes to safety on our roads and the future of the industry. By funding this research, we’re aiming to deliver actionable insights that improve policy, workplace practices, and ultimately lead to safer, healthier outcomes for drivers.”
This scholarship is part of a broader partnership between NTI, MUARC, and the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP).
The group also collaborates on the annual Major Accident Investigation Report, which analyses trends and causes of serious truck accidents in Australia.
Dr Ross Iles, who led the original Driving Health Initiative, welcomed the new phase of research.
“The Driving Health Study gathered critical information about the health and wellbeing of the truck driving workforce. I’m excited to see this program build on the foundations of the Driving Health project so we can help drivers to be healthy and stay healthy at work,” he said.
The scholarship offers a 3.5-year fixed-term appointment with a stipend of up to $40,000 per year.
The successful candidate will be based at Monash University’s Clayton campus and supervised by associate professor Sjaan Koppel, an expert in driver health and road safety.
NTI’s commitment to research extends beyond road safety. The company’s annual truck raffle, held during the NTI Supercars event in Townsville, recently raised $468,000 for motor neurone disease (MND) research.
The 2025 raffle featured a Toyota Tundra hybrid ute and a New Age Manta Ray off-road caravan as prizes, awarded to Robert Monks of Hobart, Tasmania.
Since the raffle began seven years ago, NTI has raised close to $3 million for MND research, with all proceeds directed to grants through a partnership with the MND and Me Foundation.
Greene noted that the initiative was established in memory of former NTI CEO Wayne Patterson, who died from MND in 2018.
“This cause is close to our hearts at NTI. We lost a former CEO and friend, Wayne Patterson, to MND in 2018. Since then, we’ve been committed to honouring his legacy by supporting life-changing research,” she said.
She added that NTI aims to use its industry position to support research that could lead to answers about MND.
“NTI’s truck raffles aren’t just a prize; they’re a symbol of hope. Every day, two Australians are diagnosed with MND, and tragically, two lives are lost,” Greene said.
Applications for the NTARC Driving Health Scholarship are now open.
The program seeks candidates interested in research that could influence policy and workplace practices in the transport and logistics sector.
The scholarship aims to generate evidence-based insights that may contribute to improved health and safety outcomes for Australia’s professional drivers.
