Implementation Science Grants 2021

Sydney Health Partners (SHP) is an Advanced Health Research and Translation Centre (AHTRC), alongside seven other AHRTC’s and three Centres for Innovation in Regional Health (CIRHs) across Australia. SHP was accredited by the National Health and Medical Research Council in 2015 as a world leader in the translation of research into better health outcomes for our community. Sydney Health Partners’ goal is to demonstrate that new evidence-based interventions can be successfully implemented and scaled-up in large and diverse health systems. Implementation science is one of the mechanisms which will help us to achieve this goal.

Implementation Science is defined as “the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice, and, hence, to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services” [1]. It seeks to understand the behaviour of healthcare professionals and other stakeholders as a key variable in the sustainable uptake, adoption and implementation of evidence-based interventions.

 

[1] Eccles, M.P., Mittman, B.S. Welcome to Implementation Science. Implementation Sci 1, 1 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-1-1

In 2021, SHP will provide $100,000 to fund up to four pilot projects ($25,000 excluding GST, per project) to commence in December 2021. The funded projects can be expended over 24 months. SHP has designed the grants with the aim to build capacity and expertise across SHP, thereby better enabling health professionals and researchers within the healthcare system to:

• Address complex problems in health systems
• Translate robust evidence into practice
• Tackle clinical problems that need practical solutions
• Test implementation of interventions in real time

It is a requirement that a lead PI from an SHP Health Service Partner and/or an SHP Partner MRI is listed on the application because it will help ensure that the proposed project is health service led.

There is significant demand for pilot funding. The grants aim to support and build capacity in Implementation Science while still ensuring a focus on the clinical priorities of our Partners. We want to ensure our Partners benefit from the funding opportunities we offer as part of the SHP Implementation Science program.

A major priority for SHP is to provide support and services that encourage innovation. These grants are an opportunity for researchers and health professionals to develop innovative concepts. We want to ensure the future success of these projects which is why a plan to apply for major grant applications is required. It ensures these innovative projects can continue to be developed and supported into the future.

Signing up to become a member of the SHP Implementation Science online CoP is quick and easy. You can sign up here.

By signing up, you will get access to Implementation Science resources and other useful information. It will also provide you with an opportunity to engage with other members of the CoP to share insights and learnings from your project

Applications relating to COVID-19 research will be equally weighted in comparison to applications in other content areas.

Any real or potential perceived conflict of interest in relation to applying for the SHP Implementation Science pilot grants should be declared in the application form.

Members of the assessment panel are excluded from applying for these grants.

All applications will be reviewed using the selection criteria. The applications will be reviewed by a selection committee convened by SHP, including implementation science experts.