Scientific and academic innovation is essential to research. The healthcare sector is hoping to put evidence-based care and practice at the forefront of health delivery by posing fresh ideas and providing alternative responses to medical and social challenges.
The most promising emerging researchers in New Zealand have been given an $11.3 million grant to conduct high-quality research and build the skills needed to address current and future health concerns. The results of the Health Research Council of New Zealand’s annual Career Development Awards were announced by the Associate Minister for Research, Science, and Innovation.
The scholarships, which include a variety of scholarships and fellowships, enable Mori and Pacific researchers in all stages of their careers to develop the knowledge, approaches, and solutions needed to satisfy our population’s unique needs. Advanced post-doctoral fellowships and clinical fellowships are among the awards, which will assist frontline clinicians in developing evidence-based practise and policies in the healthcare system.
“To produce excellent health research that addresses the needs of all New Zealanders, we need excellent health researchers with a diversity of skills and perspectives,” says Health Research Council Chief Executive.
She points out that these awards continue to draw health professionals from all disciplines into research, allowing them to obtain research expertise and apply it to health services, practices and policies that benefit all New Zealanders. “This year, we’ve launched clinical research training scholarships specifically for Mori clinicians wishing to pursue their research careers, in response to a workforce shortfall.”
OpenGov Asia reported, NZ Health IT general manager says that investment in digital technology research for issues such as disease monitoring should be a top priority for Aotearoa. The covid pandemic has called into question how public decision-makers handle a health crisis, and he has stated that New Zealand Health IT fully supports today’s government announcement of the latest funding for health research through the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
The council is responsible for managing the government’s investment in health research. “Digital health represents an opportunity for significant improvements in healthcare to deliver better health and enable more efficient and accessible service delivery models,” He then added.
“NZHIT wants to see a national Digital Health Innovation Network (DHIN) established, bringing together the health sector, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators, researchers, and evaluators to focus on new digital health solutions. “Research of digital health data can help develop future predictive models, quickly identify high-risk patients and present multi-variable patient-specific factors to support and enhance clinical decision making.
It has also been stated that research into health data science is an important tool for improving care systems and developing new products. Digital tool research in the health sector will also provide health consumers with new ways to improve their overall health and well-being. “We know digital health technologies will strengthen health systems and help meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.” New Zealand needs to buy into digital tools for managing health crises, such as the covid pandemic.
The New Zealand Health Research Strategy 2017-2027 envisions world-class health research and innovation system in New Zealand by 2027. The system is guided by four principles: research excellence, transparency, Mori partnership, and collaboration for impact.
A set of beginning actions is included in the approach. The HRC should conduct a priority-setting process for funding health research that will have the greatest impact on New Zealanders. It promotes scientists, academics, and health professionals to collaborate with communities and individuals.
The strategy will be implemented by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry of Health and the Health Research Council, with Ministers potentially boosting the fund every six months. Implementation will be guided by an expert advisory group.
