Annual Report 2015–2016

GOAL 3: BOOST DEMENTIA RESEARCH
Boost dementia research:
• Enhance research on dementia and its translation into policy and practice
• Coordinate and translate national dementia research.
Activity 1.3 NHMRC
Corporate Plan
Boosting Dementia Research
Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia and no cure exists.
The Australian Government, through NHMRC, will tackle the dementia burden
via a series of initiatives to: boost Australia’s dementia research capacity;
prioritise funding for vital new dementia research projects; and translate
research into new treatments and better care for people with dementia.
Operating within the NHMRC governance arrangements, the new NHMRC
National Institute for Dementia Research will lead this effort, drawing together
existing activity and developing a strategic research and translation agenda
through identifying national research and translation priorities.
Portfolio Budget
Statement—
Program 1.1: Health and
Medical Research
Program Objectives
Target 1: Establish the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research
Corporate Plan Establish the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR). Achieved
PART 2 Performance Report
The NNIDR was established in July 2015, to target, coordinate and translate the strategic expansion of
dementia research in Australia. The NNIDR will collaborate with Australia’s best researchers while also
drawing on the expertise of consumers, health professionals, industry and policy makers to translate
evidence into policy and practice.
In 2015–16, the NNIDR has identified research strengths and opportunities and has undertaken nation-wide
consultation and engagement with the dementia community.
Target 2: Support the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research
Corporate Plan Support the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research. Achieved
NHMRC is providing $9 million funding over four years to the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia
Research for research into the prevention and treatment of dementia, in accordance with the Australian
Government’s 2013 election commitment. This funding commenced in August 2014 and the Centre has
made significant progress in addressing its research priorities.
Target 3: Work with the Australian Research Council to build dementia research
capacity
Corporate Plan
Work with the Australian Research Council (ARC) to build dementia
research capacity.
Achieved
In October 2015, Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley, and Minister for Education and Training,
the Hon Senator Simon Birmingham, announced more than $43 million for 76 NHMRC–ARC dementia
research development fellowships.
Annual Report of the National Health and Medical Research Council 2015–2016
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