NHMRC looks at injury research

The Strategic Research and Development Committee of NHMRC, under the chairmanship of Dr Jack Best, is currently conducting a review of funding and organisation of injury research in Australia. The Committee is consulting researchers and administrators in each State to determine their views on priorities for injury research, where gaps exist and strategic approaches that could be taken.

Broadly the purpose of the SRDC inquiry is to develop a strategic approach to defining and supporting research related to injury occurrence, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation including assessment of

The quality of evidence on need, effectiveness of intervention, and cost of injury;

Whether research currently meets the needs for priority setting, intervention development and evaluation of intervention strategies;

Priority areas for research into injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation;

The level of resources and types of structures appropriate to providing an adequate evidence base for setting injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation priorities;

The potential for partnerships between administrative sectors both public and private to stimulate new research and increase the likelihood that research will result in effective changes in intervention practice.

The final report is due to be presented to the SRDC at the end of July 1998.

Inquiries about the consultation process can be directed to

Jerry Moller
Tel: 08 8556 8007;
e-mail: jmoller@dove.net.au