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NHMRC Tracker July 25th 2008
» Download: Tracker July 25, 2008 (PDF, 59kb) 
» Download: Tracker July 25, 2008 (Word, 61kb) 
Harmonisation of Multi-Centre Ethical Review Project
NHMRC will conduct Australia wide focus groups during July and August 2008 to discuss implementing a nationally harmonised system of ethical review for multi-centre research projects. This system aims to provide organisations, conducting clinical trials in a number of different cities across Australia, with the ability to apply for permission through one ethical committee. The work will consolidate stakeholder contributions to define essential elements of this system.
Focus group participants will include representatives from research institutions, Human Research Ethics Committees, research governance administrators, research sponsors, universities, public hospitals and government.
The focus group input will shape the national model and inform the implementation of the system.
To find out more please refer to our website, register your interest for project updates or contact Ellen Kittson, Director, Research Integrity on (02) 6217 9101 for further information.
Podcast: a conversation with health economist, Professor Jane Hall
What’s an economist doing in health? Professor Jane Hall says it’s to ensure we get value for money from our scarce health-care resources.
Professor Hall is the founding director of the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation and a former member of the Academy of Social Sciences.
In this podcast she gives her take on the issues facing Australia’s health-care industry.
Visit our website to download this podcast.
Changes to the requirements for submission of end of grant Final Reports
NHMRC has reviewed its requirements for submission of end of grant final reports to simplify the process.
As a result of this review we no longer require a conference publication supplement or the full report in hard copy. We would like, in Word form, the report and supplements, and a two page PDF file containing the first and certification pages of the final report. This is to be sent to the final report email address. We have also provided a spreadsheet for investigators to provide research outputs, such as journals, books and book chapters.
For further information refer to our website.
NHMRC Partnership Projects – Funding Policy
The NHMRC is calling for funding applications under its NHMRC Partnerships initiative. The aim of this initiative is to build more effective connections between policy makers and researchers, and to improve the availability and quality of research evidence to help inform the policy process.
The NHMRC Partnership Projects Funding Policy for this initiative is available on our website and application forms and advice to applicant’s documentation will be available early August.
Enquiries about the NHMRC Partnership Projects can be directed to Maryanne Haslam.
NHMRC activities in genetics
Direct-to-consumer DNA tests: marketing hype or medical breakthrough?
The NHMRC and the Australian Law Reform Commission will co-host a public meeting with special guest Ms Bernie Hobbs, ABC TV's The New Inventors
on 7 August (6.00-9.00 pm), State Library of NSW, Sydney.
Genetics testing symposium
The issues and concerns raised at this public meeting will be addressed at the NHMRC’s Genetic Testing Conference to be held on 16 October in Canberra. The Conference will explore key contemporary issues in DNA testing, including the protection of the community and preventive genetic-based strategies to ensure appropriate health care delivery. Attendance at the Conference is by invitation.
Genetic information sheets
The NHMRC has developed a series of information sheets on contemporary issues in genetics.