Advancing medical research breakthroughs to reach more Australians

The Partnership Project scheme funds projects that answer a specific research question to influence health and wellbeing through changes in the delivery, organisation, funding and access to health services.

At the heart of NHMRC’s Partnership Projects scheme is a simple goal: better health outcomes for Australians. The funding awarded to recipients for this round of projects will improve the health of all Australians through research collaboration and translation. A few of the funded projects are highlighted below:

• Each year, more than 25,000 Australian babies are born too early, putting them at risk of death or lifelong health problems. The ‘Omega-3 Test and Treat Program’ helps prevent early birth. A Partnership Project led by Associate Professor Ecushla Linedale from Adelaide University will ensure that this program is available to all women across Australia.
• The ‘Let’s CHAT Dementia’ project developed a best-practice cognitive impairment and dementia model of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A Partnership Project led by Professor Dina LoGiudice from the University of Melbourne will adapt, implement, evaluate and embed a training and education program, based on this model of care, in mainstream healthcare settings.  
• Extreme heat harms more Australians than any other natural hazard. HeatWatch is a digital tool that turns weather data into personalised heat safety plans. A Partnership Project led by Professor Ollie Jay from the University of Sydney will co-design and test HeatWatch with vulnerable communities and service providers across Australia, to prevent illness and support community services.

The Partnership Project scheme creates new opportunities for researchers and policy makers to work together and put research findings into policy and practice for all Australians. Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.

Quotes attributable to NHMRC Acting CEO, Prue Torrance:

• “NHMRC-funded researchers are strongly encouraged to collaborate with partners whose decisions and actions shape health services, health policy and the delivery of care.
• “The Partnership Projects receiving funding today have the potential to do that, and to ultimately improve the health of all Australians through research translation into better health care – congratulations to all chief investigators and their teams.”