A joint initiative between the HRC and the Ministry of Health has been established to support Pacific-led health research focusing on issues of importance to Pacific peoples. The research supported through this partnership will identify ways to better enable Pacific peoples and communities to be healthy and increase their health knowledge.
This approach is consistent with ’Ala Mo’ui: Pathways to Pacific Health and Wellbeing 2010-2014*, which sets out the priority outcomes and actions for the next five years that will contribute to achieving the Government’s overarching goal that all New Zealanders, including Pacific people, lead longer, healthier and more independent lives.
The joint initiative will be Request for Proposals (RFP) driven and will have two overarching aims:
- To support high quality and relevant Pacific health research in priority areas that will contribute towards achieving better health outcomes for Pacific people, families and communities; and
- To foster the development of the Pacific health research workforce through support for research networks and collaborations and provision of research grant funding.
Networking Grants
As a first step, the HRC will be launching Networking Grants for researchers. The $5,000 HRC Networking Grants aim to facilitate contact between researchers to allow for the development of collaborative teams. Networking Grants will also support community consultation and engagement as well as planning for proposals to be submitted in response to the RFP.
Funding will be provided for up to four Networking grants of $5000 each. Grants can include reasonable and actual costs of networking, including meetings and tele/video conferences.
Full details and the Networking Grants application form and guidelines will be made available shortly on the HRC website: www.hrc.govt.nz.
Request for Proposals
The second step will involve a RFP calling for applications outlining Pacific health research using appropriate methodology and including engagement with Pacific communities. Research proposals will have a well-developed knowledge transfer strategy and will address one or more of the key areas outlined in ’Ala Mo’ui (child and youth health, lessening common risk factors for ill health, preventing and managing long-term conditions). Proposed research projects will also be Pacific-led, will outline collaborative research teams and networks, and will incorporate opportunities for early career Pacific researchers (post-PhD). The RFP document will be available on the HRC website and will include full details of the research sought, the available funding pool and application and assessment timelines.
* Minister of Health and Minister of Pacific Island Affairs. 2010. ’Ala Mo’ui: Pathways to Pacific Health and Wellbeing 2010-2014. Wellington: Ministry of Health.