Purpose

NHMRC invites stakeholders and members of the public to submit research priorities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which could form the subject of a Targeted Call for Research (TCR). 

Information must be provided to substantiate the nominated priority and how the research could contribute to improved health outcomes.

Download PDF NACCHO tcrpubliccallconsultationdocument

Background

The NHMRC Corporate Plan 2015-2016 identifies as a Major Health Issue, the need to “improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”  NHMRC supports research that will provide better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Furthermore, NHMRC is committed to allocating at least 5% of the Medical Research Endowment Account to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.

NHMRC’s work has been guided by The NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Through Research (2002) and NHMRC Road Map II: A Strategic Framework for improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through research (2010).  However, it is timely to consult on current research priorities.

A TCR is a one-time solicitation for grant applications to address a specific health issue. It is intended to stimulate or greatly advance research in a particular area of health and medical science that will benefit the health of Australians.  Examples of recent TCRs in Indigenous health include Suicide Prevention in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Principles for consideration

Proposed TCRs must:

• Address a significant research knowledge gap or unmet need for which there is the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the issue; and/or
• Link to Australian Government Priorities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, and/or to Ministerially-agreed State and Territory health research priorities.

Specific Questions

To assist the assessment of research topics, please provide a brief statement in response to the following questions:

1. What is the research priority (a significant research knowledge gap or unmet need) you are nominating? How would a TCR in this area greatly advance our understanding of this issue? (200 word maximum)
2. What are the relevant Australian Government Priorities, and/or Ministerially-agreed State and Territory health research priorities linked to your nominated priority? (200 word maximum)
3. How would a TCR in this area contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and improve health outcomes for the individual and/or community? (200 word maximum)
4. How will the TCR reduce the burden of disease on the health system and Australian economy? (200 word maximum)
5. Are there any reports or findings that support your nomination for the suggested topic? (200 word maximum)

You may nominate more than one priority, but please submit each priority separately.

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