2019 Rural, Regional & Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure Grant Opportunity

Overview

The 2019 Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure grant opportunity was announced as part of the Medical Research Future Fund and is an initiative under the National Critical Infrastructure Initiative. 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.