Research

HeartKids Australia

Research Funding Strategy

HeartKids has identified the need to develop an all encompassing, transparent and efficient model to identify and allocate research funding that will ensure we achieve the best value from our funds and the greatest impact for children affected by heart disease – both congenital and acquired.

The key focus of this strategy will be to assist us to achieve our Mission. We will therefore be looking to assist researchers and research projects that will enable this.

Applications for Funding

HeartKids Australia is pleased to announce a new agreement with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to partner in the administration of its research funding process for project grants commencing 2009. Under the agreement, applications for funding from HeartKids Australia will be peer reviewed by the NHMRC. Projects into Childhood Heart Disease (CHD) that miss out on NHMRC funding, but are deemed fundable will be forwarded onto HeartKids Australia for further consideration.

HeartKids Australia will offer grants to fund research into childhood heart disease which are scientifically valid and meet the following criteria:
1. Align with our Mission:
a. Research projects which will contribute to reducing mortality from CHD)
b. Research projects which will contribute to reducing the incidence of CHD
c. Research projects which will contribute to improving treatment for CHD
d. Research projects which contribute to neurological, cognitive or improved lifestyle in children affected by CHD
2. Results oriented
a. Research projects which will have the greatest impact
b. Research projects which will assist large numbers of CHD children
c. Research projects which will have the most positive outcomes

Applications for grants must be lodged with the NHMRC by a Research Administrator Officer from an approved NHMRC Administering Institution by the NHMRC. Please refer to NHMRC Grant Funding. for information about applying and for downloading the latest version of the NHMRC application form.

To be considered for HeartKids funding, when completing the NHMRC application form, applicants must:
• select one of the options that includes the NHMRC (clause1.3) such as the first option – “NHMRC funding only”; and
• answer “Yes” to Part b (clause 1.11).

In addition to submitting the NHMRC application form, applicants will need to respond to HeartKids Australia with the following questions:
1. What proportion of the CHD community will the application affect?
2. How many CHD patients will the project affect?
3. To what extent will the application reduce mortality?
4. What are the likely health outcomes to benefit children and teens with CHD?
5. Will the project have a positive impact on the lives

Submissions addressing these supplementary questions must be emailed to , including the NHMRC application identification number. Where an application has missed out on NHMRC funding, a Sub Committee of HeartKids will examine these submissions and make recommendations to the HeartKids Australia Board who will determine the final selection.

Smaller grants and equipment requests can also be submitted through the ANZCHRC or directly to HeartKids.

Notification of Funds being available
Researchers wishing to register with HeartKids to ensure they are notified when funds become available are invited to email their contact details and the NHMRC application identification number to:
Research Funding Strategy Printable Copy