Sometimes the science behind the studies being conducted locally in Launceston can be difficult for the layperson to comprehend.

But what is perfectly clear to all of us is how important the research is. Not just because of the positive contribution it can make to medical science, and potentially to future medicines and procedures, but because these researchers are based on our doorstep.

The possibility of receiving a grant for research offers a significant incentive for specialists to base themselves in our regional city.

And we have some doctors with impressive credentials and portfolios floating around Launceston General Hospital as a result.

With many Launceston specialists servicing North-West patients as well as those from the North and North-East, it's an all-round winner for this half of the state.

Some of the research that's been granted for next year covers some medical conditions that are particularly prevalent in the North and North-West, including heart disease and diabetes.

These are some of the areas that need attention and research aimed at them.

The Sunday Examiner will run a series of articles looking a little more in-depth at each of the 10 studies that were granted funds for 2018.

This week, we spoke to cardiologist Dr Rohit Barthwal and general practitioner Dr Michael Fox about their research into whether laser therapy can reduce cardiac damage caused by stents inserted into the arteries of the heart to fix blockages.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Western world, and is one of those prevalent health problems in Tasmania.

The 10 grants totalled more than $600,000, with the laser therapy study receiving $77,900 of that money.

Other areas that are benefiting from the funds include early death following chemotherapy, flu vaccinations in the elderly, mobile heart palpitation monitoring and much more.

We all know how difficult it is to attract and retain specialists in regional areas, so anything that makes ours more attractive is priceless.