Research Translation Grants
Bridging the gap between research findings and their practical application and translation into policy and practice.
Funding Allocation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Funding Available | $1,250,000 per year |
| Project Funding Duration* |
|
Project Duration Limits
The project duration limits for translation grants vary depending on the nature and stage of the research, with a focus on converting scientific findings into practical applications.
Proof of Concept Projects
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Early phase or First in Human studies | Projects aimed at validating the initial efficacy and safety of new interventions in clinical settings typically span up to three years. This duration allows for thorough testing, data collection, and refinement of the intervention. |
| Feasibility Studies | Projects that explore the feasibility of implementing research findings in real-world settings, such as initial small-scale trials or pilot studies, also fit within a three-year timeframe. This period supports necessary adjustments based on preliminary feedback. |
Development of Interventions and Educational Tools
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Prototype Development | Projects focused on creating and refining prototypes of new tools or technologies, such as wearable health monitors or educational software, are limited to three years. This period ensures iterative design, user testing, and optimisation. |
| Educational Program Development | Translating research findings into educational materials and training programs for stakeholders (for example, healthcare providers, patients) can also be accomplished within three years. This includes development, pilot implementation, and refinement based on initial evaluations. |
Practical Trials and Implementation Projects
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Large-Scale Implementation Studies | For interventions ready to be deployed on a larger scale, such as comprehensive workplace safety programs or public health campaigns, a duration of up to five years can be requested. This extended period supports detailed planning, phased rollout, and evaluation. |
| Clinical Trial Implementation Studies | Projects that involve implementing and testing interventions in clinical settings, such as new treatment protocols or diagnostic methods, may also require up to five years. This timeframe allows for extensive testing, monitoring, and necessary modifications to ensure effectiveness. |
Policy Translation
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Policy Development and Advocacy | Projects that aim to translate research findings into policy recommendations or advocacy initiatives can span up to three years. This period supports stakeholder engagement, policy drafting, and advocacy efforts. |
| Policy Implementation Studies | For projects focused on implementing and evaluating new policies based on research findings, a duration of up to five years can be requested. This allows for comprehensive evaluation of policy impacts and adjustments as needed. |
Purpose
These grants aim to bridge the gap between research findings and their practical application, enhancing the impact of research by translating it into policy and practice that can directly benefit those affected by dust diseases.
Scope
Funding is available for:
Policy Development: Funds projects aimed at translating research findings into actionable government or organisational policy.
Practice Implementation: Supports initiatives that apply research findings in clinical or community health settings to improve treatment and care practices.
Epidemiological Research: Funds studies that analyse the patterns, causes, and impacts of dust diseases within populations, providing vital data to inform public health strategies and preventive measures.
Requirements
Evidence of Stakeholder Engagement: Proposals must include a plan for engagement with stakeholders (policy makers, healthcare providers) to facilitate the translation of research into practice.
Clear Implementation Pathway: Applications should outline a clear pathway for how the research findings will be implemented, including potential barriers and strategies to overcome them.
Impact Metrics: Projects must define clear metrics or indicators for measuring the impact of the translated research in practical settings.
Policy Impact: The DDB seeks research that can directly influence health policy by providing clear, evidence-based recommendations that improve public health and worker safety.
User-Centred Design: The DDB emphasises the importance of employing user-centred design principles to ensure interventions are tailored to the needs of those affected by dust diseases.
Policy Collaboration: Applicants are expected to demonstrate active collaboration with policymakers or advocacy groups to ensure research findings are effectively translated into actionable policy changes.
Sustainability Considerations: Projects should include considerations for the long-term sustainability of the proposed solutions or interventions.
Diversity and Inclusion: DDB encourages proposals that consider the diversity of affected populations, ensuring that research and interventions are inclusive and applicable to a wide range of demographics affected by dust diseases.
Open Access: The DDB encourages, and may require, that all outputs of research be made available through open access channels, ensuring that findings are accessible to the wider research community and public.
Alignment with the DDB Strategic Priorities 2025-2029
Revitalise the approach to research funding: These grants directly support the strategy's focus on translating research into practical applications, thus ensuring that the findings are effectively integrated into policy and practice, which is a key aspect of revitalising how research impacts real-world outcomes.
Engage with relevant partners in the dust diseases environment: By translating research findings into actionable policies and practices, these grants help to foster and strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
Alignment with the DDB Grant Strategy Guiding Principles
Translation into Policy and Practice: Prioritises the application of research findings to create practical, impactful changes in policy or practice, directly affecting workers’ health and safety.
Collaboration and Impact: Encourages partnerships between researchers and policymakers or healthcare providers to ensure that research findings are practically and effectively implemented.
Worker and Family Benefits: Focuses on translating research into real-world benefits that improve the health outcomes and quality of life for dust disease sufferers and their families.
Capacity and Capability Building: Supports the development of researchers and professionals who will continue to advance the field of dust diseases, ensuring a sustained impact over time.
Innovation and Early-stage Support: Fosters innovation, supporting novel ideas at their inception and through their development stages, to ensure the growth of creative and effective solutions in the field of dust diseases.
