What’s happening at What’s happening at NHMRC in the new era?NHMRC in the new era?

University of Sydney NHMRC University of Sydney NHMRC Grants Forum ProgramGrants Forum Program

Professor James BestProfessor James BestChair of NHMRC Research Chair of NHMRC Research

CommitteeCommittee

NHMRC in 2006 NHMRC in 2006 to 2009 trienniumto 2009 triennium

1. New structure, management and funding

2. New strategic plan

3. Revision and review of grant processes

4. Implementation of recommendations from NHMRC reviews

• New legislation

• New accountabilities as independent statutory agency, within Health portfolio

• New role for CEO, directly responsible to the Minister for Health and Ageing

• New Council membership

• New Chairs of Principal Committees

• New Principal Committee memberships

• New management structure

An Independent AgencyAn Independent Agency(1 July 2006)(1 July 2006)

Structure of the Structure of the NHMRCNHMRC

• $500 million extra available for research grants over the next 4 years

• $500 million extra for grants scheduled to come in yearly amounts of $21m, $87m, $158m and $234m from 2006/7 to 2009/10

• Additional $170 million (over 9 years) for Australian Research Fellows

NHMRC Budget 2006 to 2009

NHMRC Strategic NHMRC Strategic Plan 2007 -2009Plan 2007 -2009

Better Matching Research Outcomes with Australia’s Needs

• Support the best and most relevant research

• Develop a program in policy and practice focused research

• National Institute of Clinical Studies to be part of NHMRC

• Robust “Request for Application” process targeting major health issues

• Leveraging health and medical research to influence policy and practice

• “Top-down” approach with engagement of stakeholders in priority development

• “Request for Applications” with clear indication of expectations

• Closer monitoring, evaluation and implementation of outcomes

NHMRC Strategic Research Initiatives

National Health Priorities National Research Priorities

• Cancer • Mental health• Arthritis• Asthma• Cardiovascular health• Diabetes• Injury Prevention

Promoting good health and well-being

• Healthy start to life• Ageing well, ageing

productively• Preventive healthcare• Strengthening Australia’s

social and economic fabric

Health issues facing Australia Current issues

NHMRC Revision NHMRC Revision and Reviewand Review

• Project Grants - GRPs

• People vs Projects

• RFAs vs Investigator initiated

• International Review

Four Pillars of Research Activity

• Biomedical Research

• Clinical Research

• Health Systems and Services Research

• Population Health

NHMRC Revision NHMRC Revision and Reviewand Review

NHMRC SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH

NHMRC SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH

ReviewsReviews

Peter Wills (Chair) 1999The virtuous cycle – working together for health and medical research. Health and medical research strategic review.

John Grant (Chair) 2004Sustaining the virtuous cycle for a healthy, competitive Australia. Investment review of health and medical research.

Both Wills and Grant reviews emphasise need to consider research outcomes

• Policy and practice focused research

• Commercialisation of research findings

NHMRC Response NHMRC Response to Reviewsto Reviews

NHMRC needs to start planning the approach to the 2009 budget

NHMRC 2009 NHMRC 2009 to 2011to 2011

Professor James BestProfessor James Best

ChairChair

NHMRC Research NHMRC Research CommitteeCommittee

www.nhmrc.gov.au