Hunter New England Health
Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme 2016:
Building a Platform for Translational Research in Partnership
with the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research
Institute
Guidelines and Conditions for
Applicants 2015-2016, Round 1
“The implementation of optimally efficient health reform will
depend upon the engagement and effective interactions of basic
science researchers, physician researchers, clinicians, allied
health workers, carers and patients. The great divides which
isolate these groups from each other can and must be overcome”
The Australian Society for Medical Research, 2012
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
2
Table of Contents
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Background .................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. The HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme ............................................................... 8
3.1 The Purpose Of The Fellowships ........................................................................................................ 8
4. Who Should Apply ....................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Eligibility Criteria:..................................................................................................................................... 9
5. Funding ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 Allocation Of Funding ........................................................................................................................... 10
6. Selection Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Stage One: Expression Of Interest ................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Stage Two: Application ........................................................................................................................ 12
6.3 Stage Three: Panel Interview and Presentation ........................................................................ 12
7. Outcome Of Application ......................................................................................................................... 13
8. Multiple Submissions .............................................................................................................................. 13
9. Intellectual Property................................................................................................................................ 13
10. Conditions Of Award ............................................................................................................................. 13
11. Responsibility Of Fellows.................................................................................................................... 13
11.1 Progress Reports ................................................................................................................................. 13
11.2 Publications/Presentations ............................................................................................................. 14
11.3 Acknowledgement............................................................................................................................... 14
12. How To Apply .......................................................................................................................................... 14
13. Important Dates ...................................................................................................................................... 15
15. References ................................................................................................................................................. 16
16. Appendices.................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
3
Glossary
HNE Health
Hunter New England Local Health District
UON
University of Newcastle
HMRI
Hunter Medical Research Institute
CTRFS
Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme
CRF
Clinical Research Fellowship
AHRTC
Advanced Health Research and Translational Centres
LHD
Local Health District
FTE
Full Time Equivalent
RIAC
Research and Innovation Advisory Council
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
4
Definitions
Translational Research
Refers to the process of using findings of research to
produce innovation in healthcare settings. This
includes: treatment and intervention development
(T1); testing efficacy and effectiveness of treatments
and interventions (T2); and dissemination and
implementation research for system-wide change
(T3 - T4).
Health Care Professional
Refers to medical, nursing, and allied health
professionals and those dedicated to clinical
management, health service delivery, public &
population health, epidemiology, health
informatics, health economics and health policy.
Clinician
Refers to a health professional dedicated to patient
care. This includes but is not limited to, those from
the medical, nursing and allied health professions.
Research Active Clinical Units
Clinical units that demonstrate a commitment to
embedding clinical research into practice, in that
they:
 Currently hold competitive grant funding
 Are actively engaged in a productive clinical
research program, have
 Senior clinician researchers within the unit
who have a strong track record of
successfully supervising research higher
degree student and post-doctoral fellows,
and have
 The necessary infrastructure to support
clinical research activities
Early-Mid Career
Clinician Researcher
Individual active in clinical practice who is currently
undertaking translational research as part of or
equivalent to a research higher degree, (based on
publication out-put).
Infrastructure Funding
Funding available to support the costs of the project
that includes the purchase and maintenance of
equipment, consumables, purchase and
maintenance of animals, project
licenses, publication costs etc.
Supervisor/Supervisory Team
Have a proven track record in being able to
successfully supervise research higher degree
students or research fellows
Are currently leading/participating in active and
productive research program(s).
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
5
1. Introduction
In recognizing that evidenced-based healthcare and improved patient outcomes are
intrinsically linked to translating clinical research into health care policy and practice, HNE
Health in collaboration with its partners, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and
the University Of Newcastle (UON) are providing an opportunity to support health
professionals to undertake clinical research.
The HNE Health Research, Innovation and Partnership executive portfolio is introducing the
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme (CRFS) as a key element of its 2015-2016
Research Strategic Plan. The Fellowship Scheme will commence in January 2016 and
responds to the HNE Local Health District’s Strategic plan to; position for the future by
facilitating multidisciplinary innovation, education and research.
HNE Health Local Health District Strategic Map
Excellence- Every Patient, Every Time
Healthy People – Now and into the future
Keeping people healthy and in the community
Providing world class clinical services with timely access
and effective infrastructure
Community (The people we serve)
x
x
x
x
x
Deliver disease prevention, early intervention and health promotion across the lifespan
Support a healthy start to life
Empower communities to engage as partners in health
Close the Gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health
Partner with communities to reduce health disadvantage
Service (The service we provide)
x
x
x
x
Improve equity of access and service delivery
Cooperate, collaborate and communicate with our partners to best meet agreed health needs
Develop a culture of service and person-centered care that includes the needs of
families and carers
Sustain effective clinical networking
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Patient Safety, Quality and Experience (Excellence – every patient, every time)
x
x
x
Provide a quality health service experience
Deliver safe, effective and appropriate healthcare
Provide strong corporate and clinical governance
Resources (Managing our services well)
x
Make the most effective use of the finite resources available and ensure that costs are kept
under control to promote sustainability
Positioning for the future (Proactively preparing)
x
x
x
x
Plan and invest for future health needs
Encourage multidisciplinary innovation, education and research
Embrace opportunities that will lead to greater sustainability
Encourage new sustainable technology to support clinical needs
Our staff and workplace culture (Supporting and encouraging our staff)
x
x
x
Attract, develop and retain competent, capable staff with the right cultural fit
Be ethical and accountable for demonstrating our shared (CORE) values
Ensure a safe working environment
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
6
CORE VALUES: Collaboration Openness Respect Empowerment
Our Vision:
Our Goals:
The Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme represents HNE Health and the Research
Innovation and Development Unit’s commitment to:
1.
Creating a strong culture of continuous improvement that delivers the best and most
efficient evidence-based healthcare for people of the Hunter New England District.
2.
Supporting and promoting excellence in health and medical research by encouraging
collaboration between academia, the research institute and patient care facilities
within HNE Health. A collaborative model that will enable bidirectional interchange
and leveraging, strengthening the regions capacity to be competitive in seeking
external grants and increasing its ability to build a centre of global relevance.
3.
Encouraging and supporting clinician researchers across all disciplines to increase their
research activity and capacity whilst undertaking high quality, clinically relevant
research that addresses knowledge gaps in the HNE Health Strategic Plan where
research findings can be transferred into policy and practice to improve the health
outcomes for people locally, nationally and internationally.
4.
Embedding a research culture into all aspects of healthcare delivery within HNE
Health that supports NSW Health’s vision to deliver, “Better Health Through
Research” (1).
2. Background
Over the past decade there has been sustained and widespread discussion, both nationally
and internationally related to the decline of clinician researchers and the negative impact
this has had on building a culture of evidence informed practice at the bedside and
expediting the translation of research findings into policy and practice. (2) Barriers to
clinicians undertaking clinical research have been documented as; funding bodies’ historical
bias for bench science over clinical science(3); limited protected time and space for clinician
researchers to conduct clinical research(1); limited access to clinical trial coordinators;
negligible institutional support or funding; and limited access to senior clinical academics
who can supervise and mentor emerging clinician researchers.(4)
In response to this “crisis in academic health care”(4), health services and governing agencies
worldwide have implemented various initiatives to redress the issue. The underlying
premise of these initiatives rests largely on the expansion of clinical and translational
research agendas to include research (5) that is “grounded in, informed by, and intended to
improve practice”. (6) There is a strong view within the literature that suggests clinical
research provides “the essential link between bench discoveries, bed side efficacy, and
everyday clinical effectiveness”.(7)
In an attempt to translate research findings into improved health outcomes and system
efficiencies, there has been a trend nationally and internationally to establish integrated
health research centres.(8) In Australia this has recently been realized through the
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
7
establishment of Advanced Health Research and Translational Centres’ (AHRTC). These
centres, endorsed by the NHMRC, demonstrate an ability to combine research excellence
with health care service, by working collaboratively to integrate clinical research, training,
education and service delivery.(9)
It is well recognized that a key determinant of health service providers participating in this
renewed research agenda is to identify, support and develop clinician researchers. In
response to this initiatives to encourage and support clinicians to undertake clinically
relevant research have proliferated. These initiatives typically make provisions to sanction
funds, by way of establishing clinical research scholarships or fellowships that enable
clinicians to be released from their clinical responsibilities whilst they undertake highquality, clinically relevant research projects. This capacity building model for clinician
researchers has been widely implemented throughout Australia.
Within HNE Health, The Research Innovation and Partnership Unit provide a range of
opportunities for clinicians to undertake clinical practice improvement programs. The HNE
Health Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme is an addition to these opportunities. An
addition that will facilitate HNE Health and its partners’ vision to become;
“An Advanced Health Research and Translation Centre, internationally recognized
for discovery, innovation and excellence in clinical care, every patient, every time”
3. The HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme
3.1 The Purpose Of The Fellowships
The purpose of the HNE Health CRF is to:

Build a clinical academic workforce by supporting clinicians (across all disciplines),
employed within HNE Health research active units, to conduct translational research
whilst undertaking formal research training e.g. MD, PhD.

Enable high-quality clinically relevant research that aligns with HNE Health’s strategic
priorities to improve patient, health outcomes and service efficiencies locally,
nationally and internationally.

Build the capacity and proficiency of clinician researchers, across all disciplines within
HNE Health, supporting those who wish to advance their career by integrating clinical
and research activities in the pursuit of clinical excellence.

Embed a culture of research and innovation within HNE Health whereby research
activity becomes integral to the provision of best practice clinical care.
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
8
4. Who Should Apply
The HNE Health CRF scheme is intended to support clinicians employed within research
active clinical units across the district to undertake high-quality, clinically relevant research.
4.1
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to apply for the Fellowship scheme should be:

An Australian citizen or permanent resident (evidence to support permanent
residency must be provided) committed to residing in the Hunter New England Region
for the duration of the fellowship; and

A Medical graduate in the later stages of specialist training, or those with specialist
qualification enrolled in, or planning to enroll in formal research training e.g. MD or
PhD; or

A Health professional with a research masters degree (or equivalent), enrolled in or
planning to enroll in a research higher degree (PhD); or

A Health professional who has completed a research higher degree (PhD), or
equivalent (through research track record and productivity) within the past 5 years; or

An experienced Health care professional with a strong research track record
demonstrated by his/her; current role in undertaking clinical research, disseminating
research findings through publications and conference presentations and/or gaining
competitive research grant funding; and be

Employed by HNE Health as a health care professional within a research active unit
and be willing to commit at least 80% of their full-time substantive position to
conducting research (note: it is the responsibility of the Fellow to secure and retain
employment with HNE Health)

Supported by his/her Department Head and Service Manager to be released from
clinical duties for no less than 0.8 of their FTE for the duration of the Fellowship

Committed no more than 0.2 FTE to clinical duties, (related to the research project)
for the duration of the Fellowship

Mentored by a supervisor/supervisory team from within a HNE Health research active
unit committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and supports to oversee the
project, ensuring research fidelity, progress and output
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
9

Able to demonstrate a capacity to undertake clinical research evidenced by; a strong
understanding of research ethics and governance; a track record of disseminating
research findings by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, books, and delivering
papers at conference and obtaining competitive grant funding (relative to experience
and opportunity)

Able to demonstrate a quality research proposal that aligns with HNE Health’s key
strategic priorities, that is underpinned by a commitment to clinical translation
research (T1-T4) that has the potential to improve health, patient and service
efficiency outcomes

Able to demonstrate the potential for multidisciplinary health care clinician
involvement within the research project, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary
collaborations and engagement of other clinician researchers (e.g. Students/Trainees)

Able to demonstrate that all relevant approvals e.g. institutional and governance for
the proposed study have been secured
5. Funding
Funding for the fellowships have been made available through the combination of the:
 HNE Research Ethics Governance Unit Special Purpose and Trust Fund,
 John Hunter Charitable Trust Fund, and the
 Commonwealth Research Infrastructure Block Grant (via the University of
Newcastle)
Other than a small amount for infrastructure funding, funding for the fellowships will only be
used for salary support of the Fellow. The amount of funding offered will be determined by
the FTE nominated by the applicant to be directed toward the proposed research project.
Research active groups within HNE Health are encouraged to consider co-funding applicants
applying to the scheme, thereby contributing to a proportion of the fellowship cost e.g.
50:50, 75:25.
Successful applicants are also encouraged to apply for additional competitive grants, or
grants-in-aid from funding bodies e.g. APA Scholarship.
5.1 Allocation Of Funding
Whilst the HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowships will be offered annually, the number of
Fellowships available each year will vary subject to available funds. The Fellowship funding
will make provisions for:
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
10
1.
Salary support, commensurate with the Fellows substantive clinical position (at baserate plus on-costs), to a maximum of $150, 000 per annum, for 3 years. A possible
extension (up to 6 months) will be available subject to: approval from the Research
Innovation Advisory Council (RIAC), and demonstrated satisfactory annual progress.
2.
Infrastructure funding to a maximum of $5,000 per annum.
HNE Health’s Research, Support and Development Unit will administer the Fellowship funds.
Fellowship salaries will be processed via HNE Health payroll. No additional allowances or
claims may be made.
Equipment that is purchased with Fellowship funds will remain the property of the HNE
Health research active unit supporting the Fellow.
Fellowship funding that is used for purposes other than that for which it was awarded, or is
unspent at the conclusion of the Fellowship, will be recoverable by HNE Health and returned
to the Fellowship fund.
6. Selection Procedures
The HNE Health CRF are prestigious and highly competitive awards and as such all
applications will be subjected to a rigorous internal and external selection process. The
selection process will consist of three stages with funding being awarded to the highest
scoring application(s) judged according to:






The quality of the proposed research project
The track record of the applicant relative to research experience and opportunity
The availability of committed supports from Supervisors/ Supervisory Teams within
HNE Research Active Units who demonstrate a capacity to oversee the project and
ensure research progress and output
The significance of the project and its relevance to HNE Health
The likelihood that the proposed study will successfully be translated into improved
patient outcomes through innovation or change to existing guidelines, or policies
and/or representing world-leading health and medical research
The capacity of the applicant to develop into a leadership role as a clinician
researcher within HNE Health
6.1 Stage One: Expression Of Interest
Applicants will be invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for preliminary screening
by HNE CRF Selection Committee. The HNE CRF Selection Committee reserves the right to
co-opt specialist representatives for the review of EOIs. Following preliminary screening,
applicants will be informed as to whether their proposal has been short-listed to progress to
Stage Two.
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
11
6.2 Stage Two: Application
Applicants whose EOIs are short-listed will be invited to submit a full application HNE CRF
Application Form to the HNE Health CRF Selection Committee. A selection committee
consisting of both, internal and external reviewers will assess applications. Applicants should
inform the committee in writing if there are external reviewers who they do NOT want to
review their application, and/or any special requirements or provisions required in relation
to intellectual property or confidential material contained in the application. Applications
will be judged and ranked according to criteria detailed in, Table 1- Criteria for Assessment.
6.3 Stage Three: Panel Interview and Presentation
Applicants short-listed during Stage two will be invited to attend a panel interview and
provide a 20 min presentation for the selection committee. The committee will consist of
internal and external reviewers.
Table.1 Criteria for Assessment
CRITERIA
1. QUALITY OF THE RESEARCH PLAN
Including study rationale, design, methodology, feasibility & timeframes. Is the study well
informed by the literature? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the study & its design?
Have potential problems been identified? What is the significance of the proposed study? Does
the study align with HNE Health’s strategic priorities? Is the problem important? What is the
likelihood that the research findings from the study can be translated into policy and/or
practice? What is the potential of the study being able to leverage for additional funding,
national and/or international collaborations?
2. ORGANISATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Does the applicant have a designated and accessible supervisor(s)/ supervisory team with a
strong track record of actively engaging in clinical research and successfully mentoring
research higher degree students or research fellows? Does the nominated supervisor(s) &
research active unit have a strong track record of active and productive research programs?
Has the nominated research unit got the necessary infrastructure to successfully support the
fellow and the proposed study? Is there potential for the nominated research active unit to cofund the applicant for the Fellowship?
3. APPLICANTS TRACK RECORD & POTENTIAL WITHIN HEALTH RESEARCH
Does the applicant display qualities of academic intellect, demonstrated through academic
achievement? Has the applicant undertaken formal research training? Does the applicant
display qualities of leadership demonstrated through professional achievements (clinical,
research, or health service duties)? Does the applicant have potential for research career
development as demonstrated by the applicant’s response to, reasons for applying and future
goals and aspirations related to health research? Relative to opportunity and experience, does
the applicant demonstrate an appreciation for clinical/translational research evidenced by;
undertaking, and/or participating in clinical research projects, publishing and/or applying for
competitive research grant funding, disseminating research findings through conference
presentations and/or instrumental in leading the uptake of evidence into clinical practice by
contributing to policy and/or practice reform?
TOTAL
%
50%
25%
25%
100%
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
12
7. Outcome Of Application
Applicants will be notified of the outcome within two weeks of their interview.
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with HNE Health.
Unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback from the review committee.
The decision of the HNE Health CRF review committee is final. Correspondence regarding
the outcome of the fellowship applications will not be entered into.
8. Multiple Submissions
Fellowship applicants may only have one competitive funding application under
consideration by the HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship Scheme at any one time.
Fellows are encouraged to apply for supplementary project or infrastructure funding to
support their proposed study.
9. Intellectual Property
All intellectual property (IP) generated as a result of research funding from the HNE Health
will be managed in accordance with NSW Health IP policy.
10. Conditions Of Award
Successful applicants must accept the offer of the award by the date nominated by the
selection committee. In accepting an offer, applicants must:

Read and sign the terms and conditions of the HNE Health CRF Scheme

Be aware that the RIAC needs to be made aware, in writing, of any variation to the
original proposal

Be aware that extensions to the project completion date will only be considered in
exceptional circumstances, with a maximum extension of 6 months.

Any request to amend the grant or the terms must be made in writing to the Research
Innovation Advisory Council.
11. Responsibility Of Fellows
11.1 Progress Reports
All successful Fellows will be required to submit an annual progress report and work plan for
the duration of the Fellowship. Failure of the fellow to demonstrate progress (appraised by
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
13
HNE Health RIAC) may result in the withdrawal of the Fellowship funding. A one-hour
interview may be requested at the discretion of the RIAC to discuss study progress and
interim research findings.
A final report must be submitted to the RIAC within three months of completion or
termination of the Fellowship. The final report should address:
I.
The objectives of the project
II.
The extent to which the objectives were achieved
III.
The research results and benefits, including evidence of improved patient, health,
and/or service efficiency outcomes
IV.
The titles of published papers, invited conference presentations (locally, nationally
and internationally)
V.
An acquittal statement of the expenditure of funds, certified by the Business
Manager, Research Innovation and Partnership Unit
11.2 Publications/Presentations
Fellows are expected to publish at least one manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal within
the first year of the Fellowship, and two per year thereafter until the completion of the
Fellowship. Fellows are also expected to disseminate their work at appropriate research,
clinical forums and conferences.
11.3 Acknowledgement
Any dissertation, thesis or publication resulting from the research undertaken during the
fellowship must acknowledge HNE Health, the HNE Research Innovation and Development
Unit and the HNE Health Clinician Research Fellowship Scheme.
12. How To Apply

Download the guidelines and application forms:
Guidelines, Instructions and Application Procedures Round 1
Expressions of Interest Round 1



HNE Health CRF Application form.

Applicants are encouraged to make email contact with the Director of Clinical
Research and Translation, Prof Chris Levi at Christopher.Levi@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
to discuss their interest and prospective research proposal, or Ms Jane Gray, Director
Research Innovation and Partnership Unit at Jane.Gray@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Applications should include:
1.
A Curriculum Vitae, that should include your current and previous
appointments, certified copies of your academic transcript(s), degrees, prizes,
awards, collaborations, presentations (local, national and international),
evidence of research independence, scientific discipline involvement
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
14
(membership, committees, editorial boards etc), community involvement,
research support (past, current) and publications. You should also include
details of any other current research applications including funding agencies
and project titles.
2.
A Completed EOI form
3.
Statement of support from applicant’s Line Manager and Department Head.
Applications submitted without this will NOT be considered.
4.
Statement of support and intent to provide supervision from Principal
Supervisor. Applications without this will NOT be considered.
5.
Statement of support from the Team Leader of the nominated HNE Health
Research Active Unit. Applications without this will NOT be considered.

If the application is short-listed for external review, applicants will be requested to
submit a full HNE Health CRF Application form.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all line managers and department
heads agreements are completed and included in the application.

Please submit an electronic copy of all relevant forms in PDF format (electronic
signatures will be accepted) to HNELHD-RSDO@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Only electronic submissions will be accepted, incomplete or late submissions will not
be accepted.

All enquiries regarding the Fellowship scheme should be directed to:
Christopher.Levi@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
13. Important Dates
Call For Expressions of Interest
Deadline for Expression of Interest
Notification of Shortlisting and Invitation to submit full application
Deadline for submission of full application
Notification of Successful Applicants
Commencement Date of Fellowship
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
27th July, 2015
24th August, 2015
14th September, 2015
12th October, 2015
4th December, 2015
11th January, 2016
15
15. References
1.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aging (DoHA). Strategic Review of
Health and Medical Research in Australia- Better Health through Research. Full
Report, February, 2013
2.
Wolf SH. The meaning of translational research and why it matters. JAMA
2008:299;211-3.
3.
H Hiscock H; Ledgerwood K; Danchin M; Ekinci E; Johnson E; and Wilson A. Clinical
research potential in Victorian Hospitals: the Victorian clinician researcher needs
analysis survey. Internal Medicine Journal 2014:Feb; 477-482.
4.
Aron JK. How to attract, retain and nuture young academic clinicians. Journal of the
Royal Society of Medicine 2011:104;6-14.
5.
Potter MA; Quill BE. Demonstrating Excellence in Practice-Based Research for Public
Health. ASPH Special Publication Jan-Feb 2006; 1-16.
6.
Long JC; Cunningham, FC; Carswell P and Braithwaite J. Patterns of collaboration in
complex networks: the example of translational research network. BMC Health
Service Research 2014; 14: 225-241.
7.
Pearson A; Jordan Z; Munn Z. Translational Science and Evidence–Based Healthcare: A
clarification and Reconceptualization of How Knowledge is Generated and Used in
Healthcare. Nursing Research and Practice. 2012;
8.
Callard FC; Rose D and Wykes T. Close to the bench as well as at the bedside: involving
service users in all phases of translational research. Health Expectations 2011: 15;
389-400.
9.
Jennings GL, Walsh MK. Integrated health research centres for Australia. Medical
Journal of Australia 2013; 199:320-1.
HNE Health Clinical Research Fellowship 2015-2016
16