Released 04/12/2022
Early to mid-career researchers in the ACT health system are encouraged to apply for ACT Health Research and Innovation Fund fellowships of up to $200,000.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to investing in and growing the capacity of Canberra’s healthcare workforce.
“Across the ACT health system, there are many talented, skilled and knowledgeable professionals and researchers who contribute greatly to the overall health and wellbeing of our community.
“We heard from the health workforce that they want more opportunities and investment in their professional development to enable them to lead innovation across the health system.
“These fellowships will support our goal of establishing a learning health system and positioning the ACT as a national leader in health research and innovation,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The Research and Innovation Fund fellowship model has been guided by Better Together: A strategic plan for research in the ACT health system. Researchers can apply for up to $200,000 to be spread across a maximum of three years.
The 2022-23 RIF Fellowship Program will support research and researchers to:
- Build research skills and capability across the ACT health system.
- Respond to the needs of consumers and the community.
- Respond to inequities in health outcomes and access for different cohorts.
- Enhance the capacity and diversity of the health research workforce, including women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Enhance the ACT health system through innovation in the application of technology, digital systems, in models of care or prevention to improve health outcomes and environmental sustainability.
Research Innovation Fund grants provided under the former project-based funding model included nearly $300,000 to establish the Canberra Brain Cancer Clinical Research Collaborative and nearly $200,000 to improve the physical health of young people with early onset psychosis.
To apply for a fellowship and for more information about the Research Innovation Fund, including past recipients, visit www.health.act.gov.au/research/centre-health-and-medical-research.
Applications opened on Friday 2 December and close at 5pm on Friday 17 February 2023.
Quotes attributable to Professor Graham Mann, Director of the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research and Chair of the ACT Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board’s Research Working Group:
“Health care systems need to be infused by research in order to be constantly learning and improving, so it’s great to see the ACT Government making this investment.
“Targeting research investment to people is one of the best ways to promote high-performing and effective health care.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases