University welcomes NHMRC announcement

Monday 19 September 2005

"The University of Newcastle welcomes the announcement by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for faster funding approvals and a better fit between allocation of funds and community needs and national health priorities," says former Chair of the NHMRC and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders.

"The NHMRC has committed to more effective and efficient allocation of research funds, longer-term funding for grants and greater opportunities to establish research partnerships," says Professor Saunders.

"The establishment of strategic groups to provide advice about how health and medical research funding might best be allocated to address today’s and future health challenges is a welcome development," says Professor Saunders.

The inclusion of consumers, policy makers and researchers in their groups will provide for balanced discussion, promote a focus on health outcomes and help guide further effort in health and medical research.

The University of Newcastle has had outstanding success in obtaining research funding from the NHMRC and acknowledges that the changes announced by the NHMRC will help build on its national and international reputation as a research intensive university.

"The University's research work is recognised for its impact and relevance to the region and we are committed to building strong links with our community," says Professor Saunders. "We are especially proud of our partnerships with local health bodies and the community through the Hunter Medical Research Institute, the only medical research institute in regional Australia."

The University of Newcastle is consistently ranked in the top 10 of universities in Australia for its research effort and outcomes, including in the area of health and medical research.

For interviews contact Professor Nick Saunders on (02) 4921 5101.