Nominations for Assistant Chair and Observers for NHMRC GRP Panels

Monash University has once again been asked by NHMRC to nominate people to participate in various parts of this year’s review process. There are two call-outs (an Assistant Chair on a GRP and ECRs for Observers) as per below.

1. For ECRs to observe and/or participate in the 2017 Project Grants Grant Review Panels.

The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences is allowed to nominate up to three ECRs to serve as observers for the 2017 Project Grant Review Panels.

Since 2013, NHMRC has invited ECRs to observe GRP meetings providing training opportunities for future leaders of health and medical research. Engagement of ECRs will:

· provide insights into the Project Grants scheme peer review process which could be advantageous in their future Project Grants applications

· provide ECRs with an opportunity to observe the discussion of applications

· assist NHMRC to expand the pool of potential GRP members for the future.

When nominating, please consider the following:

1. Your nominee must be a researcher who has NOT previously participated as an ECR Observer, nor can they have served on a NHMRC GRP.
2. Your nominee must be a researcher with a higher degree (e.g. PhD) and should be at academic level A or B, typically within 5 years of completing their PhD, noting any career disruptions.  Exceptions can be considered.  
3. If selected, nominees are required for one day, either on Tuesday or Wednesday of a GRP week, between 31 July and 8 September 2017, in Canberra.
4. NHMRC will NOT appoint ECRs to GRPs within the ECR’s area of expertise.
5. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Faculty.

2. For Assistant Chair in the 2017 Project Grants Grant Review Panels.

The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences is allowed to nominate one individual to serve as an Assistant Chair for the 2017 Project Grant Review Panels.

Assistant Chairs play an important role in ensuring the peer review process for each project grant application is fair and equitable. In return, the experience provides Assistant Chairs with valuable insights into the Project Grants funding scheme and functions of the peer review process.

When nominating as an Assistant Chair, please consider the following:

1. Your nominee must be a researcher with an active, up to date RGMS account, who has NOT previously served on a NHMRC GRP either as a panel member or Assistant Chair.
2. Your nominee must be a researcher with a higher degree (e.g. PhD) and should be at academic level B or C, typically within 15 years of completing their PhD, noting any career disruptions.  Exceptions can be considered.
3. NHMRC seeks to appoint Assistant Chairs to GRPs outside the Assistant Chair’s specific area of expertise.
4. Your nominee is expected to fill this role for one week between 31 July and 8 September 2017 at the NHMRC office in Canberra.
5. In July 2017, Assistant Chairs will be required to review each application progressing to panel review to ensure compliance with NHMRC requirements, prior to commencement of their assigned GRP.
6. NHMRC will provide travel and accommodation expenses for the Assistant Chair and pay a daily sitting fee. 
7. To ensure the needs of NHMRC are met, nominations for Project Grants Assistant Chairs may be over-subscribed. For that reason, it is not possible to confirm every nominee as an Assistant Chair.

For all nominees NHMRC advises that:

• Gender, state/territory and discipline balance will be considered when accommodating nominees.
•  NHMRC reserves the right to make the final decision on attendees, and will provide confirmation of appointment in 2017.
• If the nominee does not wish to be a part of the identified GRP and NHMRC is unable to accommodate changes, the offer will be extended to another nominee.

To nominate for either the Assistant Chair and/or Observers positions please complete the relevant attached form and email your nomination to medicine.research@monash.edu by 31 January 2017 to allow timely review by Monash and nomination to NHMRC by their specified date.

Intending applicants will be advised by the Faculty Research Office if they are to be recommended as Monash nominees to the NHMRC.