The state of Victoria has established a research fund focusing on the treatment of mental illness.
The AU$10 million fund was announced by Mary Wooldridge, state mental health minister, at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Academic Centre Research Symposium on 14 October.
“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,” said Wooldridge.
An expert advisory committee chaired by Bruce Tonge will provide advice on the fund, including the research agenda for grants, with support from Neurosciences Victoria (NSV).
“The Expert Advisory Committee will initially determine the strategic research priorities, in consultation with the mental health sector and research agencies,” said Wooldridge.
“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,” he said.