Victorian Near-miss Awards narrow the gap for emerging researchers

The Victorian Chapter of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (VicAAMRI) and veski are proud to launch the Victorian Near-miss Award Pilot as part of the Victorian Health and Medical Research Workforce Project.

The Victorian Near-miss Award Pilot is open to medical researchers who have narrowly missed out on a 2021 NHMRC Investigator Grant in the Emerging Leaders 2 stream (aimed at our early to mid-career researchers).

Critically, these awards are targeting groups that face systemic barriers to success, and are specifically open to people from any of the following groups: women, transgender, gender diverse and non-binary people; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People; and people with a disability.

“The Victorian Near-miss Award Pilot is a step in the right direction in assisting in the retention of our state’s talented health and medical research workforce, while targeting increased equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Professor Elizabeth Hartland, VicAAMRI Chair and Deputy Chair of the Victorian Health and Medical Research Workforce Project.

“The awards will help emerging researchers to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, and increase their competitiveness for future funding opportunities,” said Professor Hartland.

Funding for the Pilot has been provided by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. The awards are being administered by veski for the Victorian Health and Medical Research Workforce Project on behalf of the Victorian Government and the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes.

Ms Julia Page, MD & chief executive of veski said they were proud to be involved at the infancy of such an important awards pilot.

“By delivering innovative programs like the Victorian Near-miss Award Pilot we can ensure talented researchers remain in the sector and have the best chance of ongoing success,” said Ms Page.

Up to eleven grants, each valued at $74,000AUD, will be on offer to successful researchers which will be matched with a cash contribution of the same value from their primary employer.

Visit veski’s website for complete information on the awards and how to apply. 

About the Victorian Health and Medical Research Workforce Project

The Victorian Health and Medical Research Workforce Project is being delivered by the Victorian Chapter of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes on behalf of the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. The Project is overseen by a diverse Expert Working Group that represents Victoria’s entire health and medical research sector.

About VicAAMRI

VicAAMRI represents 14 of Victoria’s world-class independent medical research institutes. Our members work to deliver better health outcomes through cutting-edge research across a wide range of health and disease areas. VicAAMRI aims to strengthen Victoria’s medical research sector by raising the profile of health and medical research and the role of medical research institutes in building a healthy and prosperous Victoria.

About veski

veski was established to enhance Victoria’s intellectual capital through a program of fellowships, awards, and international networks. veski is at the forefront of Australia’s innovation economy. Since it’s inception in 2004, veski has been instrumental in building Australia’s intellectual capital and innovation capacity.