Research Grants
Types of PRF grants
The Physiotherapy Research Foundation has implemented a strategy to identify research activities that will provide specific and relevant evidence-based information that will really make a difference. This strategy focuses on two methods of assigning research grants, these are strategy led activities and researcher led activities.
In 2023, the PRF awarded:
Pitchfest Judges’ Award
1
worth a total of
$15,000
Seeding Grants
7
worth a total of
$83,517
University Prizes
6
worth a total of
$1,050
These activities will identify areas of interest that are of importance to the physiotherapy profession. Feedback provided by members will shape these areas and in some cases, we will partner with external parties to initiate and oversee grants. These targeted grants will strengthen the APA’s advocacy and deliver real time, powerful data-driven arguments to decision makers for the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments for a resilient and thriving private sector. Some examples of these initiatives are the recent Telehealth Project, the PROMs Data Project and the Insurance Commission of WA.
Current Projects:
1. Insurance Commission of WA
The Physiotherapy Research Foundation together with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia has awarded Professor Peter O’Sullivan a research grant valued at $90,000 to develop a feasibility trail of stratified Cognitive Functional Therapy for high risk neck and back injuries following road traffic accidents.
Aim: To improve the independence of people seriously injured in vehicle accidents to ensure insurance premiums remain affordable.
For more information on this research study read the article featured in InMotion.
Designed to support researchers to develop evidence which benefits the profession. These include Seeding Grants and the Beryl Haynes Memorial Fund Grant.
Seeding Grants
Seeding Grants are to assist new researchers working on new or established research projects. The purpose of these grants are to help researchers begin their research career. In 2022, six Seeding Grants will be offered with a maximum amount of $12,000 for each.
Beryl Haynes Memorial Fund Grant
The Beryl Haynes Memorial Fund was established in 1992 by the Tasmanian Branch Council to support Tasmanian physiotherapy research in memory of Beryl, a pioneering leader in the Tasmanian Health system over decades. The grant is offered for clinical research conducted in Tasmania. The research can relate to any area of physiotherapy practice and the grant will be awarded on the basis of scientific merit and the relevance of the research. Please note this grant is not offered every year.
Council is now calling for interested applicants to pitch their research idea via a short, written document describing the background and importance of the project to the Tasmanian community, as well as an overview of their research experience. Endorsed pitches will then proceed to the Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) and have the opportunity for mentorship to develop their application and form a research team.
There are two grants of up to $15,000 each on offer for physiotherapists working or studying in Tasmania. The research can relate to any area of physiotherapy practice and the grant is designed to support new researchers.
For more information click here or for all enquires please email: jenine.fleming@australian.physio
Applying for a grant
The Physiotherapy Research Foundation funds researcher led grants annually. Physiotherapists interested in enhancing their career and making a valuable contribution to the profession are encouraged to complete an expression of interest form, which is then reviewed by the PRF Review Committee. The Committee provide valuable feedback on each and every application which can be incredibly insightful for first time researchers. Once the EOI’s are reviewed and shortlisted, applicants will be contacted and ask to complete an application form.
Seeding Grants are for early career researchers working on new or established research projects. Applications are considered predominantly on the basis of scientific merit, significance and team track record.
Grant recipients
The PRF has awarded over $2 million in grants since 1990, funding research across a range of areas including respiratory conditions, incontinence, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, knee osteoarthritis and more. Some Seeding Grant recipients have successfully entered into research careers within Australian universities and internationally.
Looking to promote research?
The APA supports our members participating in evidence-based research from which the profession can draw insights. If you wish to promote your research project, you can apply via email.
To maximise awareness of your research, you may find it useful to publish a short article about your research in InMotion. InMotion has a two month lead time. Contact the editor.
Please note that your research must have approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) registered with Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council prior to the APA promoting it.
