The grant, valued at $44,000, will be used to support an observational, epidemiological study, designed to evaluate nutrition, exercise or other lifestyle factors that may impact on population bone health.
International Osteoporosis Foundation chief executive officer Judy Stenmark said, "By supporting this Grant, we hope to understand more about the risk factors impacting bone health in Asia as well as the state of bone health across the region."
Fonterra innovation manager Joanne Todd said, "The insights generated will also help us to educate people across the region about the simple steps they need to take to look after their bones."
The incidence of hip fracture has risen 2 to 3 fold in most Asian countries during the past and is expected that more than 50% of all osteoporotic fractures will occur in Asia by 2050, according to IOF.
"It is clear that we need to develop a deeper understanding of thestate of bone health in Asia as well as the lifestyle and nutrition factors putting people at risk of poor bone health to help prevent the onset of this crippling disease," Stenmark added.
Applications for the IOF-Fonterra bone health insights research grant will close on 1 May 2013, while the applicant’s study is likely to begin on 1 August 2013.
The grant is open to applicants from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam.