The Victorian Government has announced a new $10 million major fund aimed at facilitating innovative research into mental health. 

 

State Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge announced the fund at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Academic Centre Research Symposium 2011.

 

"The Mental Illness Research Fund will support a small number of significant grants, possibly three to five, to facilitate high quality and innovative research, which can translate into real improvements for Victorians with a mental illness," Ms Wooldridge said.

 

The State Government announced that an expert committee, chaired by Professor Bruce Tonge, will provide advice for the Fund, including on the research agenda for the grants, with support from Neurosciences Victoria.

 

"The Expert Advisory Committee will initially determine the strategic research priorities, in consultation with the mental health sector and research agencies," Ms Wooldridge said.

 

"The consultation process will highlight areas that require significant improvements to mental health practice and service delivery and focus the Fund's investment.

 

"This could encompass such priorities as improving the evidence base for mental health practice and service delivery in clinical and community settings, improving access to mental health support services and best practice mental health rehabilitation practices for Victorians with a mental illness."

 

The application round will open once the research agenda and strategic priorities are finalised in coming months. To express interest in the consultation process, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.