MRFF National Critical Infrastructure Initiative - Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure Grant

New and innovative approaches to enhancing and improving clinical trial infrastructure (including facilities, research equipment, systems and services) - by extending existing or providing new clinical trials into rural, regional and remote areas - holds the potential to address many of the existing barriers, such as distance, geographical isolation and workforce capacity.

The intent of this grant opportunity is to provide initial stimulus funding for innovative approaches with potential for national application. It is not to be a source of funding for routine and on-going activities eligible for funding though existing funding mechanisms.

The objectives of the grant opportunity are:

• improved facilities, equipment, services and systems in rural, regional and remote Australia
• improved quality of care and health outcomes for patients through quicker and easier access to medical treatments, drugs, therapies and devices, through participation in clinical trials
• reduced burden, costs and risks for patients and their families related to clinical trial participation
• increased research capacity, including linkages, leveraging and enhancements of existing local and national structures, organisations, facilities and/or workforce, with flow-on effects to broader health services

The intended outcome of the grant opportunity is improved access to clinical trials by Australians living in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia.

The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science is responsible for administering this grant opportunity on behalf of the Department of Health so applications will be via the business.gov.au grant portal.

Grant opens - 10 December 2019
Grant closes - 3 March 2020