National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Tracker – 18 May 2012 edition

NHMRC submission to the McKeon Review

NHMRC’s submission identifies challenges facing health and medical research and proposes eight key strategies to address these challenges:

• Maintain growth in the funding of health and medical research for the best ideas and the best researchers through NHMRC as the Australian health research workforce grows and expands
• Encourage collaboration – remove artificial barriers
• Support research leadership in the health sector
• Use research rigour to get the best outcomes in health care cost-effectively
• Use health research to be a good global citizen as part of our support for growth in low and middle income countries in our region and beyond
• Support the development of new investment strategies including co-funding from those who benefit from government support for health and medical research and encourage increased philanthropy including ‘giving while living’
• Support ‘wealth generation’ from health and medical research
• Support processes that bolster transparency, ethical behaviour and encourage diversity and equity.

NHMRC’s submission to the McKeon Review is available on the NHMRC website. (PDF, 1.5MB)

Public consultations schedule: Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research

This is a reminder that the McKeon Review panel is conducting public consultations in all capital cities. If you are interested in attending a panel consultation, information on the consultation dates and locations is available on the McKeon Review website.

Henipavirus workshop in Adelaide, 8 June 2012

NHMRC and the Asia-Pacific Congress of Medical Virology (APCMV) are holding a workshop on Henipaviruses in Adelaide at the Convention Centre. Recent developments on Nipah and Hendra virus infections and their control will be reviewed.

The speakers list includes Dr Stephen Luby, Dr Hume Field, Dr Jeanette Young and Dr Mark Schipp.

Further information on the workshop is available on the APCMV website.

Research Committee

NHMRC’s Research Committee met this week for their last face-to-face meeting of the 2010-2012 triennium. NHMRC would like to acknowledge the contribution of Professor James Best (Chair) and all members of Research Committee for their guidance over the last three years and looks forward to the appointment of new membership for the next triennium.

Issues discussed by Research Committee this week included the development of strategies for the retention of women in health and medical research, the development of a joint grant call with the Singaporean ASTAR, and upcoming Targeted Calls for Research.

Key dates for funding rounds

• Program Grants close 5pm AEST on 6 June 2012
• NHMRC – European Union Collaborative Research Grants close 5pm AEST on 27 June 2012
• Development Grants close 5pm AEST on 11 July 2012.

All applications must be received through RGMS. For further information email the Research Help Centre: help@nhmrc.gov.au

Update: external assessments for Project Grants

To date, 6,231 completed assessments have been submitted in RGMS. 92% of the 3,725 Project Grant applications have at least one external assessment completed. The contribution of external assessors and the broader research community is greatly appreciated.

Breakdown of applications for Early Career Fellowships (ECF) 2012: now online

This year, the number of ECF applications increased by 19% compared to 2011. Further information is available on the NHMRC website.

Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) Clinical Trials Research Summit: 18 May 2012

The aim of the MJA Clinical Summit is to identify improvements to systems and structural support for clinical trials groups. NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson’s talk at the summit is available from the NHMRC website.

The summit program is available on the MJA website (PDF, 1.81MB).

CEO Newsletter on Project Grants

A newsletter from the NHMRC CEO, Professor Warwick Anderson, providing perspectives on peer review processes for Project Grants is now available on the NHMRC website (PDF, 294KB).
 

See full article...

Research Tracker – 20 April 2012 edition

Update: External Assessors for Project Grant Applications

We would like to acknowledge the great response of assessors for project grant applications this year. Assessors are being contacted directly by members of the Assigners Academy through RGMS. Once they have accepted an assessment, assessors are asked to complete their work within two weeks (however, if this is not possible they can negotiate a suitable timeframe with the Assigner).

So far, 2,129 completed assessments have been received into RGMS and 84% of the 3,726 Project Grant applications have at least one external assessment completed or in progress.

All external assessors will be publically acknowledged on the NHMRC website later in the year.

Update: Grant Review Panels (GRPs) for 2012 Project Grants

Membership of the 36 GRPs is close to being finalised.

NHMRC thanks the members of its 2012 Assigners Academy for their advice and assistance in this process. NHMRC would also like to acknowledge all researchers who volunteered their services for 2012 GRPs.

NHMRC’s submission to Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia: now online
Submissions closed on 30 March, with over 300 submissions received.

To read NHMRC’s submission, visit the NHMRC website.

Public consultations schedule: Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia

The review panel is currently conducting public consultations in all capital cities. This is an important opportunity for all members of the health and medical research sector to present their views to the Review, which will report to the Australian Government at the end of 2012.

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

NHMRC Research Translation Faculties

NHMRC will soon be inviting its funded researchers to join Clinical Research Translation and Population Health Research Translation Faculties.

This is also advance notice of the Inaugural NHMRC Clinical Research Translation Symposium to be held in Melbourne on 24 October 2012. This will be followed by a Population Health Research Translation Symposium in 2013.

More information on all of these activities will be made available shortly.

NHMRC’s progress on report recommendations by Clinical Trials Action Group

Further information is on the NHMRC Human Research Ethics Portal.

See full article...

Research Tracker – 23 March 2012 edition

Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia: submissions close 30 March 2012

NHMRC’s new page features resources that may be of assistance to organisations and individuals who may be preparing a submission to the review. Further information is on the NHMRC website.

Further information on the review is available at the McKeon Review website.

Changes to Dora Lush Biomedical Research Scholarships

On the advice of its Research Committee, NHMRC is making changes to the eligibility requirements for the Dora Lush Biomedical Postgraduate Research Scholarship.

These changes are intended to better reflect the original purpose of the award, which was to support postgraduate studies for biomedical researchers whose research careers were subject to disruption or delay. Further information will be provided when the 2012 NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship round opens on 7 May 2012.

Key dates for funding rounds 

• Career Development Fellowships close 5pm AEDST on 28 March
• Program Grants applications close 5pm AEST on 6 June 2012
• NHMRC – European Union Collaborative Research Grants close 5pm AEST on 27 June 2012
• Development Grants open on 10 April, close 5pm AEST on 11 July 2012

All applications must be received through RGMS. For further information email the Research Help Centre: help@nhmrc.gov.au

Public consultation on draft Guide to the Use of Australian Native Mammals in Biomedical Research: now open 

Submissions close 5pm AEST on 25 May 2012. Further information is on the NHMRC website.

Research & Practitioner Fellowships application statistics 2012

• Research and Practitioner Fellowship applications closed on 9 February 2012 
• 185 Research Fellowships applications and 57 Practitioner Fellowships applications were received
• Initial review of applications will take place in early April
• Applicants will be notified about interviews by 11 May 2012

Project Grant scheme update

• Project Grant applications closed on 14 March 2012
• 3,737 applications were received – up 7% on 2011
• Grant Review Panel memberships are being finalised and will be confirmed in early April

Research Help Centre closed over Easter long weekend 6 – 9 April inclusive

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

New Partnership Centre to tackle lifestyle-related chronic health problems from a systems perspective

NHMRC has issued a call for an investigator team for the new Partnership Centres for Better Health program.

The second centre is a $4.2 million per year partnership between NHMRC, the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, NSW Health, Queensland Health and ACT Health. Applications close 5pm AEST on 11 April 2012.

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker – 24 February 2012 edition

Revised policy on dissemination of research findings

As of 1 July 2012, published research outputs resulting from NHMRC funded research are to be placed in institutional repositories within 12 months of publication.

Developed by the Research Committee and Council of the NHMRC, in consultation with other institutions, this policy brings NHMRC into line with other international health and medical research funding agencies.

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

New Partnership Centre to tackle lifestyle-related chronic health problems from a systems perspective

NHMRC has issued a Call for an Investigator Team for the new Partnership Centres for Better Health program.

The second centre is a $5 million per year partnership between NHMRC, the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, NSW Health, Queensland Health and ACT Health. Applications close 11 April 2012.

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

Program Grants open 5 March 2012

All applications should be submitted through RGMS. Applications close 6 June 2012.
Further information is on the NHMRC website.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker - 27 January 2012 edition

Australia Day 2012 Honours

NHMRC congratulates all the members of the medical and scientific research community honoured on Australia Day for their contribution to the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

First Partnership Centre Call

Applications are now being accepted for the new NHMRC Partnership Centre Program on Dealing with Cognitive and Related Functional Decline in the Elderly. Applications close at 5pm (AEDST) on 24 February 2012.

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

Applications for Centres of Research Excellence closing 20 January 

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

Applications for Career Development Fellowship scheme now open 

Applications will close on 28 March 2012. Further information is on the NHMRC website.

A*STAR / NHMRC joint symposium in February

Registrations are now open for the A*STAR / NHMRC joint symposium on Combating Emerging Infectious Diseases through Integrative Technology Approaches.

This free symposium will be held in Singapore from 27 - 28 February 2012.
Speakers include:

• Professor Mark von Itzstein - Carbohydrate recognition by influenza virus and implications in drug discovery.
• Professor Edward Holmes - The Phylogenomics of Viral Infections.
• Professor Matthew Cooper - Building an academic anti-infective pipeline
• Dr Sebastian Maurer-Stroh - Bioinformatics as enabling technology for influenza surveillance.
• Dr John Connelly - Systems Based Approach to Monitoring Vaccine Responses

Further information is on the NHMRC website.

Research Help Centre (RHC) extended operating hours: 30 January 2012 – 16 March 2012

RHC will be open 8am to 7pm (AEDST) Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm Saturday. Further information is on the NHMRC website.

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NHMRC Research Tracker - 16 December 2011 edition

$114.2 million investment in health and medical research

Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced a further $114.2 million investment in health and medical research for Program Grants, Development Grants and Postgraduate Scholarships. More information is available on the NHMRC website.

NHMRC 75th anniversary scientific symposium presentations

Video of presentations and speeches made at the NHMRC 75th Anniversary Scientific Symposium are now available on the NHMRC website.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the event.

Project Grants - applications

Applications for the Project Grants scheme are now open and will close on 14 March 2012. More information is available on the NHMRC website.

Career Development Fellowships - applications

Applications open on 16 January and close on 28 March 2012. Information on all 2012 NHMRC funding schemes is available from the 2011 - 2012 NHMRC Funding Calendar.

Translation of Research into Practice (TRIP) Fellowships - applications

The opening of the TRIP Fellowship applications may be delayed. More details will be available shortly.

NHMRC Partnerships for Better Health - Partnership Projects

NHMRC are changing the process for application and review of Partnerships Projects. The NHMRC Research Committee has agreed that applications will be able to be submitted at any time, beginning April 2012, with review at 3-4 intervals annually. This will allow applicants to apply with their partners whenever they have secured agreements.

Details of the revised process will be available soon. More information on Partnership Projects is available on the NHMRC website.

Access to “near miss” NHMRC applications

Every year, NHMRC is only able to support a small proportion of applications that are found to be highly fundable by our grant review panels. In the case of project grants, approximately 23% of applications were funded in 2011, with another 52% found to be worthy of funding but not able to be funded.
These fundable but unfunded applications represent a significant investment of ideas, time and energy by the investigators involved. A few of these applications go on to be funded within universities through those institutions’ own “near miss” funding processes.

NHMRC asks applicants to provide the authority for NHMRC to provide their applications to other agencies, should their application be found fundable but ultimately not funded by NHMRC. Following the conclusion of the 2011 rounds of funding, NHMRC will write to other health and medical research funding bodies across the private and charitable sectors, offering them the opportunity to consider those fundable but unfunded applications relevant to their particular interests.

Use of NHMRC research funds for travel

NHMRC project grants support specific research projects. Direct research costs (DRCs) provided for the support of funded project grants are to be used to achieve the specific goals of funded projects. Where travel is necessary to achieve the goals of the funded project, this is considered to be a permissible use of the DRCs. However, travel not directly related to achieving the goals of the funded NHMRC project is not considered to be a “direct research cost” and cannot therefore be acquitted against the grant.

Whenever possible, project grant applicants should identify the need for such travel in their applications, so that this can be taken it into account by grant review panels when the overall budget is being considered.

NHMRC/Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) Fellowships successful recipients

More information about the recipients is available under 'People Support' on the NHMRC website.

Reminder: Proposed revisions to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)

The Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) has revised Chapter 3.4_6: Human biospecimens (including cell lines) which replaces both the current Chapter 3.4: Human tissue samples and Chapter 3.6: Human stem cells and Chapter 3.2: Databanks and paragraphs 3.5.8(a) and 5.1.22. NHMRC invites submissions, which can be made via the NHMRC’s public consultation website.

Research Help Centre hours: December 2011 – March 2012

The Research Help Centre (RHC) will close at 3pm on 23 December 2011 and reopen on 3 January 2012. Operating hours will be extended from 30 January 2012. Full details are on the NHMRC website.

See full article...

Research Tracker - 18 November 2011 edition

Hendra Virus Urgent Call for Research: Applications now open

The Hendra Virus Urgent Call for Research opened last week. Applications close COB 18 January 2012.

• Urgent Call for Research - Hendra Virus

RGMS Updates

RGMS Account Holders

Please update your profile pages as these pages have recently been upgraded. NHMRC uses this information to ensure that applications are assigned to the correct assessment area and to contact researchers when required. For these reasons, it is important that you keep your profiles current and complete.

RGMS Developments

Work is progressing on enhancements to RGMS, which will be progressively rolled out in 2011/12. These include streamling the system to improve usability, simplifying interfaces and developing clearer instructions for RGMS users, as well as providing better support for assessment tasks. We have obtained additional hardware and are working to boost performance and stability under load.

Assigner’s Academy for 2012 Project Grants

NHMRC is currently identifying membership for the 2012 Assigner’s Academy.

The Assigner’s Academy will comprise leading researchers who will help NHMRC secure two external assessments for every Project Grant application within the peer review process. It is expected that appointments will be finalised before the end of the year.

• The NHMRC Academy

Public Consultation on Ethical Issues in Research into Alcohol and Other Drugs: An Issues Paper Exploring the Need for a Guidance Framework

NHMRC is conducting public consultation on this issues paper. Feedback will inform the development of ethical guidance for HRECs and researchers, complementing and updating existing content in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). Consultation closes on 16 December 2011.

• Public Consultation on Ethical Issues in Research into Alcohol and Other Drugs: An Issues Paper Exploring the Need for a Guidance Framework

Proposed revisions to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)

The Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) has revised Chapter 3.4_6: Human biospecimens (including cell lines) which replaces both the current Chapter 3.4: Human tissue samples and Chapter 3.6: Human stem cells and Chapter 3.2: Databanks and paragraphs 3.5.8(a) and 5.1.22. AHEC invites submissions.

• Proposed revisions to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)

Reminder: Expressions of Interest for External Assessors for HoMER due 25 November

Expressions of interest for suitably qualified individuals for appointment as external assessors under the Harmonisation of Multi-centre Ethical Review (HoMER) initiative are due by COB 25 November 2011. For selection criteria and a role description, see NHMRC’s Human Research Ethics Portal.

Enquiries to Ms Vivienne Moyle, at: Vivienne.moyle@nhmrc.gov.au.

Call for submissions on Staying Healthy in Early Childhood Education and Care – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Education and Care Services

NHMRC will release the draft 5th edition of Staying Healthy in Early Childhood Education and Care – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Education and Care Services on 21 November 2011. Submissions close on 16 January 2012.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker - 21 October 2011 edition

Grants Announcement

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP announced the outcomes of ten NHMRC funding schemes on Monday 17 October. Total funding was $673.7 million for 1,140 grants nationwide and details of the outcomes for each of the funding schemes include:

• NHMRC Project Grants - 768 grants awarded for a total value of $453.1 million
• NHMRC Research Fellowships - 87 grants awarded for a total value of $63.1 million
• Early Career Fellowships - 129 grants awarded for a total value of $38.4 million
• Centres of Research Excellence - 15 grants awarded for a total value of $37.3 million
• Independent MRI Infrastructure Grants - 27 grants awarded for a total value of $31.7 million
• Career Development Fellowships - 65 grants awarded for a total value of $25.5 million
• NHMRC Partnership Grants - 13 grants awarded for a total value of $9.9 million
• Practitioner Fellowships - 18 grants awarded for a total value of $7.9million
• Australia – European Union Collaborative Research Grants - 9 grants awarded for a total value of $5.6 million
• Translating Research into Practice Fellowships - 9 grants awarded for a total value of $1.2 million

Lists of successful grant applicants are available from the NHMRC website.

Conflict of Interest Public Consultation

NHMRC is conducting consultations on Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest: Draft Policies for NHMRC Guideline Development Committees and Working Groups. The closing date for submissions is 2 December 2011 and can be made at the NHMRC consultation website from Monday 24 October at http://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au.

Time to Update RGMS Profile

RGMS account holders will soon receive an email from RGMS inviting them to check that their RGMS Profile is up to date, as the Profile Pages of all RGMS accounts have been upgraded.

Podcast – Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench: Genetic pre-disposition to breast cancer

Professor Chenevix-Trench, Laboratory Head of Cancer Genetics at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, talks about her goal of identifying the genes that underlie predisposition to breast cancer to support better treatments and screening. The podcast and transcript is now available on the NHMRC website.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker - 23 September 2011 edition

75 years of working to build a healthy Australia

The NHMRC was established on 24 September 1936 to provide considered, authoritative and timely advice to the Commonwealth and State Governments on health and ethical issues and to support medical and public health research to help improve the health of all Australians.

This year marks 75 years of NHMRC’s contributions to public health, ethics and medical research. A key event of the anniversary commemorations will be a scientific symposium, Research for a Healthy Future.

Further information on the symposium will be available on the NHMRC website in the coming months.

On the eve of the anniversary, NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson AM reflects on the enormous contribution health and medical research has made to the well-being of all Australians over this time, on the NHMRC website.

New “Final Report” for Project Grants – the GRP Assessment Summary

Following Ministerial announcement of the funded applications, applicants will receive a GRP Assessment Summary.  This document differs from the ‘Final Report’ provided to applicants in recent years.  Rather than a written narrative, the assessment summary will outline, numerically, the GRP’s assessment of the application in relation to the Project Grants selection criteria.  Information to assist with interpreting the assessment summary will be available shortly.

Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases

In November, NHMRC and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research will consider applications regarding hypertension in Low to Middle Income Countries. More information is available on the NHMRC website.

Minister’s Announcement of Funded Grants – week commencing 17 October

The Project Grant Panels finished on 9 September and we again thank all those panellists who assisted.  The work on finalising funding recommendations to the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing is progressing well, and announcements will be made in the week commencing 17 October in most of the NHMRC’s major schemes, including Project Grants and Fellowships.

NHMRC Science to Art prize

Our biennial competition celebrates the art that arises from the electronic images created in medical research.  The competition closes on Friday 30 September 2011 and the winner will be announced at the Symposium and Award dinner on 30 November 2011.  More information is available on the NHMRC website.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker – 26 August 2011 edition

NHMRC Science to Art prize

NHMRC’s Science to Art Prize for outstanding images from health and medical research will be offered in 2011. Information about the prize is available from the NHMRC website.  Entries close 5pm EST 30 September 2011.

Peer Review 2011 progress

Centres of Research Excellence

• Peer review process is complete. 79 applications were received with 41 for Clinical Research (18 interviewed); 18 for Population Health Research (12 interviewed); and 20 for Health Services Research (12 interviewed).

Partnership Projects

• Thirty six applications were received with 22 shortlisted.

NHMRC – European Union Collaborative Research Grants

• Nine applications favourably evaluated in EU peer review process are currently under review by NHMRC.

Project Grants

• At the end of week 4, 26 Grant Review Panels have completed assessment of 2600 applications, from the 3508 total. Deputy Chairs drawn from NHMRC Career Development Fellows were used for the first time.
• A record 6320 external assessments have been received, as a result of 17,540 emails to potential assessors.

Program Grants

• Applications closed on 1 June 2011; 18 applications were received of which 15 will proceed to interview.  Interviews will be held the week commencing 24 October 2011.

Developments Grants

• The 2011 Round closed 18 July 2011, with 98 applications received.

Postgraduate Scholarships

• 324 applications undergoing peer review.

Research Fellowships

• 227 applications received, of which 138 proceeded to interview.

Practitioner Fellowships

• 51 applications received, of which 28 proceeded to interview.

Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Fellowships

• 42 applications received, 13 proceeded to interview

Career Development Fellowships

• 356 applications received ,159 shortlisted.

Early Career Fellowships

• 389 applications to be peer reviewed.

Global Alliance for Chronic Disease

• Applications will close on 31 August 2011. To date 11 applications have been started in RGMS.

Centre of Research Excellence in electromagnetic energy (EME) research

• EME Research will be a special interest area, funded from external sources, in the next round of the Centres of Research Excellence Scheme (applications opening in late October 2011).

Grant Announcements

Project Grants, Centres of Research Excellence, Partnerships Projects and NHMRC-EU Research Grants will be announced by Mr Mark Butler, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing in the week commencing 17 October 2011.

NHMRC nominee to the International Human Epigenome Consortium

NHMRC is interested in participating in the International Human Epigenome Consortium and is seeking expressions of interest from an eminent epigenetics researcher to represent us on the International Scientific Steering Committee. Contact Dr Greg Ash on (02) 6217 9010 or Greg.Ash@nhmrc.gov.au for more information.

Targeted Call for Research in Mental Health

NHMRC has appointed a working committee to help develop a framework for the first Mental Health targeted call for research, arising out of the Mental Health Workshop held earlier in 2011 and following the May 2011 Budget announcements.  Research Committee will develop a Targeted Call for Research, based on the working committee’s considerations.  It is expected that the call will be issued by the end of 2011.

New Preventive Health Research Grants

The Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA) in collaboration with the NHMRC and the ANPHA Research Committee is currently finalising a new Preventive Health Research Grants Program to fund translational research projects focusing on the prevention of tobacco smoking, alcohol misuse and obesity.

ANPHA expects to call for applications for research funding under this new program in early September 2011, www.anpha.gov.au/grants or email researchgrants@anpha.gov.au to be notified of the opening date.

Researcher Administrator Officers Seminar 2011

NHMRC will conduct a Research Administrators Seminar on 8 November 2011. This seminar provides a forum for RAOs to meet with NHMRC and discuss pressures and opportunities. Suggestions for the agenda to Rowina.Maddalena@nhmrc.gov.au or 02 6217 9352 by Friday 23rd September 2011.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker – 29 July 2011 edition

Reminder - Closing date for Postgraduate Scholarships

Applications for NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships close at 5:00 pm AEST on Monday 1 August, 2011.

For further information, contact the Scholarships Team on 02 6217 9393.

Timetable for 2011 Funding Applications

A summary of the grant assessment process, July – September 2011, for all current NHMRC application processes can be found on the NHMRC website.

Project Grant Applicant Rebuttals

Week 5 and 6 rebuttals began on Monday 25 July.  Dates for grant rebuttal periods (by grant application number) can be found on the NHMRC website under 'Rebuttal Period'.

Hendra Virus Research

NHMRC has allocated $3 million towards urgent research on the Hendra virus. A media release can be found on the NHMRC website and further information will be available in the next Research Tracker.

Mesothelioma Research

NHMRC is a member of the International Cancer Genome Consortium and will soon be holding a teleconference on mesothelioma.  If you are interested in participating in this teleconference, details will be provided in the next Research Tracker.

Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health – Podcast

Professor Stewart Einfeld from the University of Sydney talks about helping parents with developmentally disabled kids in our latest podcast.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker – 17 June 2011 edition

A Summary of Peer Review for Project Grants 2011

NHMRC thanks the thousands of researchers who have completed their peer review assessments. NHMRC has been working to improve the information available to applicants, assessors and GRP members about the processes involved in peer review in 2011, particularly for Project Grants.

Professor Warwick Anderson has prepared a discussion paper on the steps involved in peer review for project grants this year, which is available from the NHMRC website.

New Research Funding through NHMRC collaborations

NHMRC is seeking applications for research funding across two new programs created through NHMRC international collaborations:

Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases – prevention and control of hypertension

NHMRC, with the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), is inviting investigators to submit proposals to improve effective approaches to the prevention and control of hypertension in low and middle income countries and in Indigenous populations, in high income countries. Applications for funding can be made though RGMS –further information about the request for applications is available from the NHMRC website.  

Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine – pre-applications for translational stem cell funding

NHMRC and the Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine will be offering Australian researchers the opportunity to apply for translational stem cell research funding. Pre-applications open on 30 June 2011. Preliminary information can be found on the CIRM website. NHMRC will provide further information about the pre-application process in the next edition of Research Tracker.

Update on NHMRC Funding Schemes 

Project Grants

NHMRC asks external assessors to complete their assessments. Establishment of the GRPs is well progressed and information has been provided to panel members about the timelines that apply to Primary Spokespersons’ Reports. In summary:

•  Weeks 1 & 2 (1-5 August, and 8-12 August) 1SP reports are due on Friday 8 July
•  Weeks 3 & 4 (15-19 August, 22-26 August) 1SP reports are due on Friday 15 July
•  Weeks 5 & 6 (29 Aug - 2 Sept, and 5 - 9 September) 1SP reports are due on Friday 22 July

The Applicant Response period (rebuttals) will be open from 11 July 2011.

Research and Practitioner Fellowships

Short-listed applicant’s interviews will be held in Melbourne from 20-25 June 2011.

Centres of Research Excellence 

A total of 79 applications were received for the current round. Assessments are currently being completed.

Development Grants

The current application round closes on 18 July 2011.

Grant Administration Issues

Access to RGMS emails – SPAM issues

NHMRC is aware that some RGMS initiated emails have been caught in institutions’ SPAM filters. We ask all RAOs and researchers to monitor emails and spam filters to help stay up-to-date.

2010 End of grant reports due 30 June

Submitting end of grant reports by the deadline is a requirement under NHMRC Funding Agreements. All grants that ended in 2010 must submit their end of grant reports by 30 June 2011.

The final reports are also used for the selection of research to be profiled in the prestigious NHMRC publication, 10 of the Best 2012 allowing NHMRC to continue to represent health and medical research achievements across Australia. The information in end of grant reports also provides Australian taxpayers with important information about the outcomes achieved through Australian Government funding of research.

National Health Research Enabling Capabilities (NHREC) Workshop

The NHREC Clinical Trial workshop was held on 15 June 2011. Attendees included researchers and major health non-government organisations. Further advice on outcomes of this important workshop will be available from the NHMRC website next month.

Developing a Targeted Call for Research (TCR) – increasing research capacity in the mental health system

NHMRC's Research Committee will discuss ways to increase capacity in the mental health system following the 13 April 2011 workshop on “Developing a more evidence-based mental health system.”

A committee will be established to develop potential TCRs to address the key issues of research needed, as identified in the workshop.

A comprehensive outline of the workshop can be found on the NHMRC website.

Dr Tania de Koning Ward, winner of the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Medal

NHMRC congratulates Dr Tania de Koning-Ward, from Deakin University’s Molecular Medicine Research Facility, for winning the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Health and Medical Research.

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, the Honourable Mark Butler MP, presented the gold medal to Dr de Koning-Ward on behalf of the Minister for Health and Ageing at a dinner held by the Australian Society for Medical Research in Melbourne on 9 June 2011.

Further details on Dr de Koning-Ward’s award can be found here.

Workshop: Improving Evidence-Based Dementia Care - 5 July 2011

Alzheimer’s Australia and the NHMRC are holding a joint workshop on Translating Dementia Care Research into Better Practice in Canberra from 9.30am – 4.00pm Tuesday 5 July. The workshop will focus on strategies and priorities for translating existing research evidence into improved dementia care practice across Australia. Further details can be found on the NHMRC website.

To register for this workshop please email Nat.Workshops@alzheimers.org.au by 24 June 2011.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker - 20 May 2011 edition

Your support for Peer Review is essential – message from the CEO

Information from the CEO’s Communiqué of 17 May 2011:

Peer review is a key responsibility of all researchers and a part of our professional responsibilities. It is also the cornerstone of NHMRC's grant application processes as we rely on the research community to ensure that the best applications are funded, as judged by researcher's peers.

NHMRC staff members are working with Academy members to finalise membership of all Grant Review Panels. Research and Practitioner Fellowship GRPs are now finalised.

The full Communiqué can be found on the NHMRC website.

Guiding Principles for Project Grant Panel Establishment

NHMRC aspires to achieve a number of principles in determining Grant Review Panel membership. This information can be found on the NHMRC website.

Clarifying NHMRC involvement in FP7 European calls in health

NHMRC is aware of some confusion regarding the upcoming FP7 European calls in HEALTH.2012.1.4-3: Innovative Strategies for translation of stem cell based therapies in regenerative medicine (European Union-Australia cooperation). Funding for successful research groups under this call will be supported by NHMRC’s existing European Union Collaborative Research Grants scheme. Grants deemed fundable by the European Union peer review process will be considered by NHMRC’s Research Committee in conjunction with other NHMRC-European Union Collaborative Research Grant proposals. The total NHMRC budget for this scheme is $AUD 4M per annum.

Direct Research Costs – revised advice

NHMRC has developed a guide for researchers and administrative staff on what can be included in the direct costs of research. The guide, approved by NHMRC’s Research Committee, will assist Administering Institutions in ensuring they have necessary information to define direct and indirect costs of research.

This guide is available on the NHMRC website under the heading “Direct Research Costs”.

If further assistance is required please contact the NHMRC on 1800 500 983 or help@nhmrc.gov.au

Registering Administering Institutions for 2012 funding

All existing and new Administering Institutions wishing to administer NHMRC funding in 2012 must register their details by the end of 2011.

• The Administering Institution application form and supporting information are available here.

On registration as an Administering Institution, Institutions will be required to sign the new NHMRC Funding Agreement.

For further information please contact the NHMRC Program Assurance Section:

Email: PA.Info@nhmrc.gov.au
Telephone: 02 6217 9050

NHMRC websites down for maintenance, Friday 20 May to Sunday 22 May

All NHMRC websites, including RGMS, will be offline from 9:00pm Friday, 20 May to 4:00am Sunday, 22 May 2011 due to a scheduled network outage. Notification has been sent to all Research Administration Officer’s (RAOs) with regards to RGMS.

Contacts for further information:

Phone:

Media enquiries – 0422 008 512
RGMS – 1800 500 983

Email:

NHMRC - nhmrc@nhmrc.gov.au
Clinical Practice Guidelines Portal - clinicalguidelines@nhmrc.gov.au
RGMS - help@nhmrc.gov.au

Please note that emails will be responded to on Monday 23 May.

Upcoming Dementia Research Workshop

A workshop on Translating Dementia Care Research into Better Practice will be hosted by Alzheimers Australia and NHMRC on 5 July. Workshop objectives are currently being finalised and invitations will be sent by the end of May.

Gennectome Workshop – the future of genomic medicine

On 19 May 2011, NHMRC held a workshop to consider future implications of whole of genome sequencing on health care and clinical service delivery. The workshop was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from across the health and science sectors. NHMRC will work with its Human Genetics Advisory Committee and Health Care Committee to develop an action plan that furthers the outcomes of the workshop.

Involving the community and consumers in medical research

NHMRC held a workshop on 19 May 2011 to explore contemporary approaches to involving consumers, patients and communities across NHMRC’s activities and NHMRC funded research. Consumer and community groups, researchers, guidelines developers and government representatives discussed key principles for consumer and community engagement, covering:

• When should consumer/ community engagement occur?
• How to ensure the right consumers are reached?
• Barriers to consumer/community involvement and engagement; and
• Review, implementation and dissemination of NHMRC’s Statement on Consumer and Community Participation in Health and Medical Research Outcomes from the workshop will help develop strategies to support researchers in involving consumers and community in their research.

More from the NHMRC…

CEO Update: Outcomes of the 2011 – 12 Budget for the NHMRC.

See full article...

NHMRC Research Tracker – 25 March 2011 edition

Indicative Timeframes for Project Grant Assessments

We will soon be contacting potential assessors to assess Project Grant applications and provide assessment reports.

Invitations will be sent to potential assessors in early April 2011, with a request that assessment reports are completed within a short timeframe after declaration of possible conflicts of interest.

We are grateful to the research community for its contribution to this essential contribution to the scientific review of grant applications.

Further information is available on the NHMRC website.

Potential impacts of wind turbines on human health – NHMRC workshop early June 2011

NHMRC is updating its review of the published scientific literature relating to the potential impacts of wind turbines on human health.

A workshop will be hosted by NHMRC in early June 2011 with representatives from jurisdictions and the environmental health sector to consider the latest Australian and international evidence. Suitable public representation will be sought.

Following this, NHMRC will revise its Public Statement to reflect recent advances in the literature.

NHMRC-European Union Collaborative Research Grants (NHMRC – EU Scheme)

The NHMRC – EU Scheme assists Australian researchers to participate in projects with international researchers under the European Commission’s (EC) Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

In 2011, Australian Chief Investigators must submit their applications on RGMS only after they have received notification from the EC that the application has been favourably evaluated for funding.

Stakeholder forum on Tuesday 19 April 2011 - revising Staying Healthy in Child Care

NHMRC is holding a stakeholder forum in Canberra to inform the revision of Staying Healthy in Child Care - 4th Edition on Tuesday, 19 April 2011.

Please register interest by emailing stuart.barrow@nhmrc.gov.au with the subject "SHIC Stakeholder Forum".

NHMRC approval of Guidelines

NHMRC has released two guidelines developed by beyondblue, the national depression initiative:

• Clinical practice guidelines: Depression in adolescents and young adults
• Clinical practice guidelines: Depression and related disorders – anxiety, bipolar disorder and puerperal psychosis – in the perinatal period

beyondblue developed these guidelines to assist health professionals to identify and treat depression among adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 24 years; and to assist health professionals in primary care and maternity care to identify and treat mental health problems in the perinatal period.

• The guidelines can be accessed from beyondblue

Disruption to NHMRC Internet Service

NHMRC internet, RGMS and email access was disrupted by problems with our external providers this morning. We apologise for any inconvenience that was caused.

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