Queensland Sexual Health Research Fund

On behalf of Queensland’s Department of Health, ASHM will be administering the Queensland Sexual Health Research Fund. 

ASHM invites applications for funding to assist in improving the delivery of sexual health services, and support implementation of the Queensland Sexual Health Strategy 2016-21 and its associated action plans.   

 

 

Who can apply?    

Organisations and researchers are invited to submit proposals that seek to address the drivers for, and barriers to, achieving optimal sexual health for all Queenslanders. 

Proposals must demonstrate partnership arrangements with relevant service providers in a range of sectors including health, education and social services. 

  

Funding amounts    

The Department of Health will disperse up to $1,065,000 through the Fund, over 3 financial years.   

Consideration will be given to large grants of up to $100,000 (including GST) as well as smaller-scale grants. Preference will be given to innovative proposals which add to the body of knowledge and have direct relevance to enhancing service delivery in Queensland.  

Whilst research partnerships with academia are valuable, they are not mandatory.  

It is desirable that funded projects are completed within 2 years of receiving the grant funding.   

 

Successful applications  – Round 1

Lead investigator: Clare Nourse

Project title: Management of syphilis in pregnant women and their newborn infants in Queensland 2014-2018: assessment and recommendations to optimise management and outcomes.

Project description:

This project aims to identify gaps and potential barriers to optimise management of syphilis, and will use this information to make recommendations to improve practice and optimise prevention of congenital syphilis.

 

Lead investigator: Amy Mullens

Project title: Increasing capacity and capability of GPs to provide Hepatitis B testing and follow-up management for Chinese and Vietnamese community members.

Project description:

This project aims to assess current practices, clinical pathways, and resources available for hepatitis B testing and follow-up; as well as develop frameworks for a culturally responsive pilot program to ensure that patients and doctors are aware of, and uptake, these best practices. 

 

A third successful application is to be announced.

 

 Strategies and Priorities  

The Sexual Health Ministerial Advisory Committee Research Sub-Committee will assess and recommend applications for translational research which align with the priorities of the Strategy and associated action plans. 

 

The priorities for the second round of grants are: 
 

1. Syphilis:   

Operational and implementation research to address the challenges to engaging people in prevention activities (including testing), treatment and care, with a focus on the following priority populations:  

• Heterosexual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (North Queensland).  

• Men who have sex with men (South-Eastern Queensland) – qualitative behavioural research to identify health system touch points and opportunities for intervention and education.
   

2. HIV/AIDS:

• Research into how health professionals who provide treatment or care to people with HIV/AIDS Neurological Decline can support better health outcomes, with a focus on practical strategies. 

• Cultural and behavioural influence on injecting drug users in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

3. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations:  

• LGBTQI young people; operational and implementation research which addresses the barriers to CALD LGBTQI young people accessing sexual and reproductive health services and information, and access to prevention activities (including testing), treatment and care.  

• Qualitative research and further analysis of existing data.

• Country of birth-specific epidemiological data on STIs to inform sexual and reproductive health promotion/prevention programs among refugee and other CALD populations (including international students and short stay visitors).

• Effective service models to address the sexual and reproductive health needs of refugee and other CALD populations (including international students).
   

4. Transgender people, particularly transgender youth transitioning from adolescence to adulthood:  

• Operational and implementation research which identifies and addresses the issues relating to gaps in service access and delivery, and the identification of appropriate referral pathways.

• Practical strategies to improve health outcomes for transgender young people as they transition to adulthood.

 

Only research proposals that align with these priorities will be progressed in full for consideration by the Research Sub-Committee. Topics that do not align with the priorities outlined by the committee for this funding round may be submitted, but will not be progressed in full for assessment by the Research Sub-Committee. The project title and a summary of the application will be submitted to the Research Sub-Committee who will exercise their discretion to view the application it its entirety.  
 

The priority or priorities may change between each grant round.

   

Applications  

Round 2 of applications are now open, and close on Friday May 17, 2019.