A note from our Executive Director:
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A highlight of this month was the Science on the Swan conference, this year focussing on hospital research. Over three days, we saw more than 60 presentations from researchers and clinicians across a wide range of expertise, along with panel discussions, posters and plenty of networking opportunities. Reflecting the broad membership of the WAHTN, we heard of research in our public hospitals, our private hospitals, from the city and from the country as well as from those often unsung heroes in PathWest. The morning of the third day focussed on COVID-19 in WA and provided insights into the challenges faced behind the scenes by the Director General Dr D.J. Russell-Weisz, the Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew (Andy) Robertson, Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Robyn Lawrence and Chief Scientist Prof Peter Klinken. The afternoon sessions highlighted the many excellent WA COVID-19 related research projects led by a keynote address by Prof Jeremy Nicholson on the Australian National Phenome Centre. I also spoke on the role of the WAHTN in bringing together WA researchers early in the pandemic. Many thanks to the organising committee, session chairs and presenters, and everyone who attended. Conference photos will be available soon on our website.
We have just launched our Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Refresher course, the latest addition to the RETProgram's suite of training which is available FREE to staff of WAHTN partner organisations. Designed for clinical researchers who have previously undertaken a GCP course, the refresher includes new and revised content relating to current regulations and guidelines for Australian clinical trials. I encourage you to distribute throughout your networks, in particular to researchers who may need to refresh their training in line with jurisdictional requirements. For those who have not undertaken previous GCP training, the RETProgram also offers a full Good Clinical Practice in Australia course.
WAHTN warmly welcomed the announcement of the National First Nations Research Network and the Mental Health Australia General Clinical Trial Network (involving UWA and Curtin University) in the federal budget. We are also pleased to see that the government will introduce a competitive patent box tax regime that will apply to income derived from Australian medical and biotechnology patents to further encourage innovation in Australia (see page 3 of this factsheet). Disappointingly, however, there was no new additional funding provided to the NHMRC or ARC over the forward estimates with only small indexation rises provided.
Finally, congratulations to Professor Anna Nowak of UWA on being awarded the Wagner Medal for an extraordinary contribution to research into mesothelioma.
Until next month,
Professor Gary Geelhoed
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GCP Refresher course launched
Our Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Refresher is now live! This 90-minute online training course(available FREE to staff of WAHTN partner organisations) is suitable for anyone who has completed GCP training in the past and would like to update their knowledge.
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Current funding opportunities include:
- Perron Foundation Health Research Grants
- NHMRC Development Grants
- PCH Foundation Annual Grants
- Spinnaker Grants 2022
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Please be aware that the following events may be affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Check with event organisers for real time updates.
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CCIProgram update
If you're currently developing grant applications or have a project which requires community involvement, why not reach out to the CCIProgram to see how they can help your research project succeed?
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Get in touch to book a time to discuss your application or project.
If you would like to stay up to date with CCIProgram activities sign up to their mailing list or join their Program to get involved (please note signing up for the mailing list does not create a Program account).
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This is the latest addition to our suite of Research Education and Training Program courses available free for staff within WAHTN Partner Organisations. To stay updated on current and new RETProgram courses, register here!
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CTDMC update
Our Clinical Trials and Data Management Centre offers a Clinical Research Support Service, with on-site meetings available for WAHTN partners every Tuesday.
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In June, they will be visiting Fiona Stanley Hospital, Joondalup Health Campus and Hollywood Private Hospital. If you would like help with clinical research, please visit the website or email Christine Robins at CTDMC@curtin.edu.au for further information or to book a session.
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We'd love to hear from you!
If you have any opportunities you'd like to share with the Network then please
email your information
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