Wellington, Dec 11 NZPA - A Canterbury University pyschologist, researching the impact of nutrient supplements on mood and behaviour in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is among the latest beneficiaries of an Eastern Bay of Plenty philanthropist.

Dr Julia Rucklidge has received a $31,000 research grant from the Vic Davis Memorial Trust, which also announced 10 study awards of $5000 each in its 2009 round of funding.

"This research is challenging conventional ways of treating mental illness and receiving this validation of our work has been extremely encouraging for my team," she said about the award.

The trust's purpose is to support individuals and organisations in their study and research of mental health.

Seven of the award recipients, Neville Gibbons, Wiremu Simeon, Harata Te Amo Simeon, Fleur McRae, Maakere Marr, Amber Barry and Dianne Hartemink either live in the Eastern Bay of Plenty or come from the area, and Hannah Cleland has strong family connections into the area.

The other two recipients were Janie de Malmanche from Tauranga and Linda Hart from Upper Hutt.

Vic Davis, who lived in Ohope for many years, established the trust as an ongoing expression of his strong interest in mental health.