In this issue

1. AAMRI news – Medical Research Discoveries showcase
2. Government update – ‘Patent Box scheme’ introduced
3. Sector news – NT’s $50 billion renewable energy partnership
4. NHMRC update – Women in Health Science Committee
5. MRFF update – latest updates
6. Funding and award opportunities – Jian Zhou Medal & Snow Fellowships open
7. Reports and resources – ROI in research commercialisation
8. Events and courses – Post-Budget briefing

Do you have something that you would like featured in a future newsletter? Send it through to communications@aamri.org.au

2021 NHMRC Grant outcomes for the medical research institute sector

AAMRI’s new analysis on the outcomes of the 2021 NHMRC grant program has shown that the funded rates for the medical research institute sector was higher than the average funded rate in both major grant schemes in 2021 – Investigator Grants and Ideas Grants. Read our full analysis online.

Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2018 – Senate inquiry

AAMRI has put forward a submission to the Senate inquiry into the Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2018. Read the full copy on our site.

2.  Government update

‘Patent Box scheme’ introduced for Aussie MedTech Innovators

Under the proposed scheme MedTech innovators who develop and hold intellectual property in Australia will be able to access a concessional 17 per cent tax rate on all revenue derived from this intellectual property.

Consultations

Use of primates and other animals in medical research in New South

The NSW upper house is undertaking an inquiry into the Use of primates and other animals in medical research in New South Wales. AAMRI will be making a submission on behalf of members. Closes 31 March 2022.

Provision of general practitioner and related primary health services

This inquiry and report refers specifically to provision of general practitioner and related primary health services to outer metropolitan, rural, and regional Australians. The report will be submitted at the last sitting day in March 2022.

National Tobacco Strategy 2022-2030

The Australian Government Department of Health is seeking feedback on the draft National Tobacco Strategy (NTS) 2022-2030. Responses are due 24 March 2022.

Priority Review pathway for biologicals: feasibility, potential eligibility criteria and determination process

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking feedback on a proposed priority pathway for assessment of certain novel and life-saving biologicals. Closes 28 March 2022.

2022 Repurposing medicines

The Department is aiming to improve the environment to encourage the repurposing of medicines, with a primary focus on novel clinical uses of proven safe medicines. A consultation paper outlining potential issues and options has been released for comment. Closes 1 April 2022.

3.  Sector news

Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) renamed Brandon BioCatalyst

Brandon BioCatalyst brings together more than 50 leading medical research institutes and hospitals from Australia and NZ, major Australian superannuation funds, the Australian and New Zealand governments, as well as Australian state governments and territories, into a unique research and investment collaboration.

NT’s $50 billion Indigenous renewable energy partnership

Potential projects include hydrogen production, new water infrastructure, energy for data centres, energy for mining, electricity transmission, promoting renewable energy development, and construction of renewables-based grid infrastructure in NT.

Funding announcements:

• $30.5m for the Lowitja Institute for Indigenous-led health research
• $22.9m for six Australian health and medical researchers, including Dr Skye McGregor and Professor Jason Grebely from The Kirby Institute
• Further $2m investment to advance women in STEM through Science & Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM program

New appointments:

• Professor Samar Aoun appointed Perron Institute Research Chair in Palliative Care at The University of Western Australia.

4. NHMRC update

Gender disparities in NHMRC’s Investigator Grant Scheme

Two webinars were held to present and discuss NHMRC CEO Professor Anne Kelso’s Communique on Gender disparities in NHMRC’s Investigator Grant Scheme. The recording of the presentation are now available.

NHMRC Women in Health Science Committee

NHMRC’s Women in Health Science Committee has been announced, with Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin as chair.

Is COVID impacting your NHMRC/MRFF funded research?

The NHMRC and the MRFF have put in place measures to help assist researchers whose research has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further information is available on the NHMRC website or in the latest MRFF newsletter.

5.  MRFF update

See what MRFF grant opportunities are open and what their status is. You can also track MRFF opportunities through AAMRI’s own calendar.

Subscribe to the MRFF newsletter

To stay updated about MRFF-related changes, you can review the previous editions of the MRFF newsletter and subscribe to their email list.

6.  Funding and award opportunities

WA Research Excellence Awards 2022, grants are awarded through two streams – early and mid-career researchers and established researchers. Up to 30 researchers will be selected in each stream. Closes 1pm, March 14, 2022.

NFMRI General Grant Round, closes 6pm, 21 March 2022

NFMRI Alzheimer’s Disease Grant Round, closes 6pm, 21 March 2022

The NSW Government is calling for EOIs for $10m to transform world-leading research at the Westmead Health and Innovation District into new lifesaving technologies, closes 28 March 2022.

AMP’s Tomorrow Fund, $1m grants, closes 04 April 2022.

MRFF – Australian Brain Cancer Mission – 2021 Brain Cancer Research Grant Opportunity, minimum 20 April 2022, closes 4 May 2022.

2023 Dr John Dixon Hughes OAM Medal for Medical Research Innovation, self-nominations are not accepted, closes 6pm 20 May 2022

Jian Zhou Medal, open to individuals within 15 years of achieving their PhD, closes 30 April.

Snow Fellowships 2022, biomedical research, up to $1M per year for 8 years, closes 31 May 2022.

Register with GrantConnect to receive notifications when new opportunities open.

7.  Reports and resources

New analysis: Return on investment in research commercialisation

New analysis by Science & Technology Australia shows the new national research commercialisation fund would generate $17.6 billion in returns to Australia’s economy by using the skills playbook of our nation’s brightest commercialisation stars.

Australia’s Nobel Laureates Volume III – free digital book

The online ‘living’ book has recently been updated, and it now entering its 2nd year.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports

• National sports injury data strategy – release date 18 Feb 2022
• Impacts of COVID-19 on Medicare Benefits Scheme and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme: quarterly data – 18 Feb 2022
• Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data – last updated 25 Feb 2022
• Australia’s children – last updated, 25 Feb 2022
• Coordination of health care: patient and primary care factors associated with potentially preventable hospitalisations for chronic conditions – release date 08 March 2022
• Australian Burden of Disease Study 2018: Interactive data on disease burden among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – last updated 10 March 2022
• Quality in aged care
• Residential Aged Care Quality Indicators — July to September 2021

8.  Events and courses

Health portfolio post-Budget briefing webinar with Q & A – 8-9pm on 29 March 2022

This is an opportunity to connect and ask questions about what the Budget means for you and your organisation.

Life as a Clinician-Scientist online event – 26 March 2022

Interesting in pursuing a career that takes learnings from the lab and translates them into patient care? The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences’ next Life as a Clinician Scientist event will be held on 26 March. Fellows and other health leaders will share their experiences in this rewarding but challenging career path. Book a ticket now:

Exclusive Offer for AAMRI members

To kickstart your professional development this year, AAMRI members can gain access to some great online courses at an exclusive price. AAMRI members are being offered 20% off all PRAXIS Australia training offers, including Research Essentials, HREC Essentials and all Virtual Workshops. Simply enter AAMRI22 when enrolling.

For more info and to enrol, visit the Praxis website.