Research Branch Bulletin

The Queensland Clinical Trials Network Inc (QCTN) is facilitating a two day workshop. Please see the attached agenda and registration form. QCTN have offered a significant reduction in fees dependent on the final numbers attending in Adelaide.

In order to access this reduction anyone interested in attending will need to fax their registration forms to Melanie Gentgall on 8222 2713 by Monday, May 31. Once final numbers are confirmed attendees will be informed of the reduction in fees for each registration. It is anticipated that it will be up to $200 per attendee. Please contact Melanie Gentgall on 8222 0774 or email melanie.gentgall@health.sa.gov.au if you have any questions.

Please find the Roadshow Flyer for your information.

Third Heart Foundation Conference to be held in Melbourne, from 17 – 19 March 2011.

The Heart Foundation is the leading organisation in the fight against cardiovascular disease in Australia. The Conference, to be held at the world class Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will host leading international and Australian presenters to showcase key clinical, research, and public health perspectives on cardiovascular disease.

The program will span primary prevention through to reduction of risk factors, and treatment and ongoing management of cardiovascular disease. Already, six outstanding international speakers and ten leading Australian speakers are confirmed for the program.

The public health stream of the program will cover areas such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heart health, tobacco control and smoking cessation, overweight and obesity, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and healthy eating.

The research and clinical practice stream will cover topics including acute coronary syndromes, chronic heart failure, management of clinical risk factors such as lipids and hypertension, arrhythmias, thrombosis, and more. In addition, there will be a focus on quality use of medicines, and on state of the art devices and imaging.

Call for abstracts is now open via the conference website. The deadline for submission is Friday, 17 September 2010.

The Ethics Centre of South Australia, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University, invites all HDR students who have commenced their program of study in the last 12 months to attend the following workshop: ‘Ethics and Integrity in Research with Humans’

This interactive workshop aims to give participants:

• an understanding of the ethical issues that may arise in research involving human participants (across the full spectrum from biological samples to whole populations) applied during discipline specific workshops
• tools to analyse and address these issues
• an understanding of what constitutes good practice in research
• assistance in the preparation of Human Research Ethics Committee applications

This workshop will run on Monday 21st of June (9am – 4pm) and Tuesday 22nd of June 2010 (9am – 1pm) at North Tce Campus, University of Adelaide. A map will be forwarded to all registrants. Refreshments will be provided.

Current HDR students who have research projects which require Human Ethics Approval are strongly encouraged to attend this workshop. To register, please complete the attached form and forward to Amy Baker amy.baker@unisa.edu.au by Monday 14th of June 2010.

NHMRC's Research Grants Management System (RGMS) is now open for the following grant schemes:

• Development Grants
• Program Grants

For funding policies and application guidelines visit www.nhmrc.gov.au.
Further information on this system is now available on our website:  http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/RGMS.html.

The 2010 round of the Criminology Research Council research grants are now open.

Grants are considered if they are public policy-relevant, have practical application, contribute to the understanding, prevention or correction of criminal behaviour and will make a substantial and original contribution to criminological knowledge. Grants are considered for if they are related to criminological research (including the dissemination of information and advice and the publication of reports, periodicals, books and papers in connection with criminological research and the results of criminological research) as are determined by the Council.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.criminologyresearchcouncil.gov.au/applications/

The National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia (NBCF) announced a new funding opportunity for breast cancer research in Australia beginning in 2007. NBCF believes we need to be responsive to breast cancer research progress and opportunities nationally and internationally and maximise our use of limited resources.

Hence, the National Collaborative Breast Cancer Research Grant Program is designed to foster wide collaboration between groups of investigators and pooling of knowledge, expertise and resources to enable larger scale or accelerated research programs into the prevention, causes, treatment or management of breast cancer. Literacy Prizes:

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nbcf.org.au/subcategory.asp?category_id=3&subcategory_id=21

The Butterfly Research Institute (BRI) is a research institute ‘without walls’ established to bring together eating disorder and body image research from all over Australia. In particular it aims to support research that is collaborative with science outside the field of eating disorders. It was established through the generosity of the 2009 Commemorative grant from the Sidney Myer Trust and the Myer Foundation.

The BRI places value on:

• collaboration between researchers, clinical treatment and the lived experience
• research outside traditional fields of eating disorder research e.g. bench science and the social sciences
• growing new ‘brains’ by providing
• multi disciplinary research

The BRI is now accepting applications for research grants for collaborative projects as well as research scholarships in the form of a full PhD scholarship and PhD top up scholarships.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/CMSPageDetails.aspx?CMS_Page_Id=19&Parent_CMS_Page_Id=3

Applications for grants valued between $10,000 and $50,000 for one year are now sought to be used for research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of arthritis.

The objectives of the research and professional education program are:

• To support specific research projects into arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders
• To support and foster the career development of scientists and clinical investigators committed to research into arthritis and allied disorders

There are three categories:

• Fellowships
• Scholarships
• Grants in Aid and Project Grants

Awards are available to clinical, scientific and allied health professionals who work in universities, hospitals or recognised research institutes.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/index.php/research-grants/research-grants-program.html

The Mary Philippa Brazill Foundation was established in 1993 for the purpose of providing financial support for research and education in ethics with an emphasis on the ethics of health care and with special regard to the promotion of these activities in Catholic institutions in Australia.

The Trustees of the Foundation invite applications for Grants for 2010 from individuals in their personal capacity and as representatives of institutions wishing to sponsor scholars and conferences.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://brazill.mercy.org.au/grant.html

The E-Concept provides a formal mechanism for anyone, at anytime, to put forward an idea to the GRDC for consideration – not an opportunity for researchers to submit traditional preliminary research proposals or to extend existing projects.

The E-Concept is available to both the public and private sectors. GRDC is looking for truly innovative ideas that their current investment process may not have identified but may contribute significantly to achieving our objectives. For the purposes of the E-concept process innovation is defined as: A new idea (methodology/practice/technology/product/service) that adds value, which has not previously been considered for implementation by the grains industry.

Further information can be found at http://www.grdc.com.au/director/apply/econcept

The Norman Wettanhall Foundation’s objective is to support projects that enhance or maintain the vitality and diversity of the Australian natural living environment. It should be noted that guidelines have recently changed and projects must have strong links with a community group working to improve the natural environment to be considered.

Support is given to projects that enhance or maintain the vitality and diversity of the Australian natural living environment. The objectives of the grants are to build capacity in local communities to effect long-term beneficial change in the natural environment and to support and encourage research, monitoring and knowledge sharing relating to all aspects of Australia's natural environment.

Note: Internal closing date is 23rd June for full application but pre approval must be sought from the Foundation prior to this. Please visit the following website for further information.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nwf.org.au/grants/index.html

Health Sciences

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), invites research applications in support of preclinical development of lead candidate therapeutics against Nesseria gonorrhoeae, Hepatitis B Virus and Clostridium difficile. The NIAID intends to commit US$6 million in total costs in FY2011 to fund 6-10 applications in response to this FOA.

Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research are invited to work with their institution/ organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-10-010.html#SectionIV

H&SS

The IELTS Joint Research Committee is interested in supporting external researchers to conduct quality research under the three headings below. This year we would particularly encourage applications to undertake research studies which fit within these broad areas:

• Test development and validation issues
• Issues relating to contexts of test
• Issues of test impact

Proposals are welcomed from researchers and institutions with expertise in language learning and assessment research. In addition, as part of the IELTS policy of stimulating test-related research among its stakeholders, it is hoped that proposals will come from researchers and organisations who have a direct and ongoing connection with IELTS e.g. consultants, examiners and IELTS Administration Centres.

The maximum amount of funding which will be made available for any one proposal is £15,000/AUS$36,000 (including institutional overheads/taxes). This upper limit may be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. The research study will need to be completed and a full report submitted by the end of December 2011. Please note that applications for extensive travel or large items of equipment are not encouraged.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.ielts.org/researchers/grants_and_awards/guidelines_for_applying.aspx

Multidisciplinary

This scheme is a joint initiative of the Go8 Universities and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports exchanges for Go8 researchers to spend time at partner institutions in Germany and for collaborating German researchers to spend time at Go8 universities. The scheme aims to foster research collaboration of the highest quality between Australian researchers from Go8 universities and German researchers and to result in research outcomes and the exchange of skills and knowledge of mutual benefit to Australia and Germany.

Australian applicants must use the Australian application pack and send the application to their designated contact officer in the research office at his/her university. The German collaborating partner must submit a corresponding application, with the same project title, to the DAAD in Bonn by the closing date of 30 June 2010.

Applications (one signed hard copy, one electronic copy and a University of Adelaide application coversheet signed by the researcher and Head of School) should be forwarded to Dr Don McMaster in Research Branch by the internal closing date of 30 June 2010. For any queries, please contact Don (don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au) or Kerrie Thornton at Go8 Office ph. 0262395488 or kerrie.thornton@go8.edu.au.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.go8.edu.au/university-staff/international-collaboration/
81-go8-germany-joint-research-co-operation-scheme

The NBCF is pleased to announce the NBCF Postdoctoral Training Fellowship Awards for researchers. The aim of this award is to attract, train and retain our most talented breast cancer researchers of the future.

The Postdoctoral Training Fellowship will support the salary and research of outstanding new investigators with a vision to expand the scale and scope of breast cancer research in Australia. The specific aims of the schemes are to:

• Develop the most outstanding and creative breast cancer researchers across the range of disciplines in biomedical, clinical, health services and public health research
• Foster mentoring and collaboration of talented postdoctoral researchers and facilitate integration of these new investigators into successful research teams.
• Enhance the quality and foster expansion of the scale and scope of breast cancer research in Australia
• Undertake research that is a major importance and with potential to impact of breast cancer outcomes

NBCF Postdoctoral Training Fellows are expected to be promising rising stars in their fields. The maximum funding available for each Postdoctoral Training Fellowship is up to $90,000 per annum over four years inclusive of salary, oncosts and some research-related expense

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nbcf.org.au/page.asp?category_id=3&subcategory_id=5&page_id=70

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is pleased to announce the NBCF Early Career Fellowship Awards for researchers. The aim of this award is to support the development of early career researchers with outstanding potential for a career in breast cancer research.

Researchers with a doctorate degree and/or a professional qualification from an accredited institution who have between three and eight years of research or professional experience are encouraged to apply. The accepted professional qualifications include, but are not limited to, nursing; psychology; public health; medicine; physiotherapy; veterinary science; social work; pharmacy, engineering and occupational therapy. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate substantial ability and potential as a future breast cancer research leader.

The Early Career Fellowship will support the salary and research of outstanding new investigators with a vision to expand the scale and scope of breast cancer research in Australia.

The specific aims of the scheme are to:

• Develop the most outstanding and creative breast cancer researchers across the range of disciplines in biomedical, clinical, health services and public health research
• Foster mentoring and collaboration of talented early career researchers, and facilitate integration of these new investigators into successful research teams
• Enhance the quality and foster expansion of the scale and scope of breast cancer research in Australia
• Undertake research that is of major importance and with potential to impact on breast cancer outcomes.

NBCF Early Career Fellows are expected to be outstanding scholars in their fields. The maximum funding available for each Early Career Fellowship is up to $150,000 per annum over four years. The funding provided will cover:

• The salary of the Fellow (up to $100,000 per annum)
• Up to $50,000 per annum towards the research project.

NBCF Early Career Fellowships provide support for four years. There may be scope to renew depending on demonstration of productivity and availability of funds.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nbcf.org.au/page.asp?category_id=3&subcategory_id=38&page_id=340

The Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship Program aims to encourage leaders in biomedical research to establish a career in Australia; fostering the continued development of Australia as a source of world-class scientific innovation and ideas.

The Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships are awarded to scientists with significant potential to attain leadership in their chosen field of research.  These fellowships allow successful applicants to continue their research at an Australian university or research institution.

Since 2003, Pfizer Australia has committed more than AUS$15m to the fellowship program.  Each fellow is provided AUS$1m in funding over a five year period to support salary, travel and other establishment costs.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.pfizer.com.au/ResearchFellowships/Default.aspx

The Neville and Jeanne York PhD Scholarship is offered to a PhD applicant – anywhere in Australia- investigating Motor Neuron Disease. The applicant must be beginning their first year of the Scholarship.

This opportunity is offered under our Research Companion Program which is a three-way financial commitment between a co-funding Rotary Club or District, Australian Rotary Health and the administering university of research institute. They are currently funding over 50 students Australia-wide with research funding totalling over $1,000,000 in medical and mental health research.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au/Information-About/Research/Current-Opportunities.aspx

This opportunity is offered under our Funding Partner Program which is a three-way financial commitment between a co-funding Rotary Club or District, Australian Rotary Health and the administering university of research institute. We are currently funding over 50 students Australia-wide with research funding totalling over $1,000,000 in medical and mental health research.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au/Information-About/Research/Current-Opportunities.aspx

UNESCO awards two UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prizes and two UNESCO Confucius Prizes for Literacy. The King Sejong Prizes give special consideration to the development and use of mother tongue languages, while the Confucius Prizes for Literacy give special consideration to literacy for people in rural areas and out-of-school youth.

The call for candidatures will particularly welcome innovative and successful literacy projects and programmes that specifically promote women’s empowerment in the social, economic and political dimensions. It is strongly recommended, therefore, that candidatures for the 2010 Prizes address both the designated theme (literacy and women’s empowerment) and respond to the criteria pertaining to specific prizes.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.unesco.org/en/education/dynamic-content-single-view/
news/call_for_nominations_unesco_international_literacy_prizes_2010/
back/9195/cHash/3cdd4ca802/

The Future Water Leaders Award is designed to recognise young researchers who have new results to communicate about a water-related topic. The Award promotes excellence in the development of those who are capable researchers, communicators and innovative thinkers. It gives postgraduate students the opportunity to raise the profile of their research and receive recognition for their work. 

Opportunity to enter the 2010 Riversymposium Future Water Leaders Award is now open to any PhD student 35 years old or younger currently undertaking postgraduate research on a water related topic through any recognised institution within Australia.

Postgraduate research students are encouraged to apply - entry will be open shortly.  The entry process involves the submission of a 200 word abstract and a 4-page extended summary. To recognise postgraduate water researchers, the International Riversymposium will present an award to the winner of the Future Water Leaders Award at the 13th International Riversymposium held in Perth from 11 - 14 October 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.riversymposium.com/index.php?page=YWS+Award.

H&SS

The International Collaborative Research Grant (ICRG) supports international research collaborations between two or more qualified scholars, where the principal investigators bring different and complementary perspectives, knowledge, and/or skills to the project. Priority will be given to those applications that make a strong case for a balanced collaboration between the applicant and co-applicant/s in all aspects of the research: fieldwork, analysis, and eventual publication. By encouraging international collaborations, the grant contributes to the development of an international anthropology that values and incorporates different national perspectives and resources. By providing training funds, the grant helps to build capacity in countries were anthropology may be underresourced.

Each researcher must hold a doctorate or equivalent qualification in anthropology or a related discipline. The grants are for a maximum of US$30,000 for the research project.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://www.wennergren.org/programs/international-collaborative-research-grants

Health Sciences

Susan G. Komen for the Cure announces the upcoming release of Request for Applications (RFAs) for Investigator-Initiated and Career Catalyst Research Grants for 2010-2011. 

Investigator-Initiated Research (IIR): Grants provide up to US$600,000 over three years to stimulate exploration of new ideas and novel approaches in breast cancer research and clinical practice that will lead to reductions in breast cancer incidence and mortality within the next decade. Komen is introducing a new approach to its IIR RFA in an effort to align supported research projects with Komen’s annual strategic objectives and to provide consistency for the research community. For the next few years, the IIR RFA will focus on four standing topic areas—prevention/early detection; novel therapeutics and resistance; the biology of breast cancer; and disparities—within which very specific research issues will be identified for that year’s RFA. This year’s research areas are as follows:

• Prevention/Early Detection - Molecular Predictors of High Risk and Early Disease
• Novel Therapeutics and Resistance - Targeted Therapies for Endocrine Resistant Disease
• Biology of Breast Cancer
• Therapeutic Implications of Micrometastases
• Epigenetic Alterations and all issues relevant to Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes

Career Catalyst Research (CCR) Grants: CCR Grants provide unique opportunities for scientists in the early stages of their career to achieve research independence with an independent award of up to US$450,000 over three years. CCR investigators lead a research project addressing an important question in breast cancer research and complete a self-defined career development plan with support from a mentor committee. This year’s annual research focus areas are: Biology and Translation, and Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes.

Please forward a copy of the application along with the completed Grant Application Coversheet to Don McMaster at the Research Branch – don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au

For more information and application guidelines, please visit:
http://ww5.komen.org/ResearchGrants/FundingOpportunities.html

Call for Nominations

• PCFA Prize and Lecture for Outstanding Excellence in Prostate Cancer Research
• PCFA Young Investigator of the Year Award

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia invites you to nominate candidates for the PCFA Prize and Lecture for Outstanding Excellence in Prostate Cancer Research and the PCFA Young Investigator of the Year Award, honoring two generations of scientists in the prostate cancer research field.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.anz.com/personal/private-bank-trustees/trustees/apply-grant/named-charitable-trusts/