Consultation on structural review of NHMRC's Grant Program
26 July 2016
NHMRC released this month a public consultation paper on the Structural Review of NHMRC's Grant Program, inviting all interested individuals and organisations to lodge written NHMRC released this month a public consultation paper on the Structural Review of NHMRC's Grant Program, inviting all interested individuals and organisations to lodge written submissions in response to the paper by 25 August 2016.
NHMRC awards new grants worth around $800 million each year from the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA). Feedback from the research sector indicates that the work required to prepare and evaluate the high numbers of grant applications that will not be funded is placing an unsustainable burden on applicants and peer reviewers.
Concerns have also been raised that many researchers, especially those at early and mid-career stages, are becoming discouraged from pursuing research and that there are disincentives to exploring new areas of research.
To address these challenges, an over-arching review of NHMRC's grant program is being undertaken to determine whether the suite of funding schemes can be streamlined and adapted to current circumstances, while continuing to support the best Australian research and researchers for the benefit of human health.
The review is being undertaken by the Office of NHMRC with the assistance of an Expert Advisory Group.
Additionally, NHMRC will hold public forums in several capital cities for researchers and organisations to hear from NHMRC and ask questions about the review. Attendance at each venue will be limited. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register via the links provided below.
- Tuesday 26 July 2016 12.30pm: Brisbane public forum - register to attend.
- Wednesday 27 July 2016 9.30am: Adelaide public forum - register to attend.
- Thursday 28 July 2016 1.30pm: Sydney public forum - register to attend.
[ source:NHMRC]
