National Blood Sector Research and Development Program

The functions of the NBA specified in the National Blood Authority Act 2003 include that the NBA will “carry out national blood arrangements relating to the facilitation and funding of research” (Section 8 (1)(h)).

The NBA National Blood Sector Research and Development Program is a small niche program, focused on research priorities relating to patient blood management (PBM) and the appropriate use of immunoglobulin (Ig). To support the development of best-practice models of management and use of blood and blood-related products and services, the NBA supports research to:

  • enhance the sustainability and affordability of the national supply of blood products, including through increased efficiency and reduced blood product usage and wastage
  • identify appropriate use and reduce inappropriate use of blood products
  • maintain or enhance clinical outcomes for patients.

Research improves knowledge, information and evidence about blood products and their use, and helps inform good decisions about these matters for governments, patients, clinicians and others.

Review of Research and Development Strategic Priorities

 

The Research and Development Strategic Priorities are a resource to help the sector deliver better patient and donor outcomes while ensuring value for money for the Australian community.

In 2021, the NBA engaged Allen + Clarke to review progress against the National Blood Research and Development Strategic Priorities 2013-16 and develop a new set of priorities for 2022-27. Allen + Clarke looked into the status of the 2013-2016 Priorities, the context of the blood research and development sector, and what should be included in the future research and development priorities. This was a highly collaborative review and development process, with input received from across the blood sector.

The new priorities will be used to provide focus and scope for Round 6 of the National Blood Sector Research and Development Program (Program) which will launch later this year. The criteria used to assess applications received for Round 6 of the Program will include how well the proposed project addresses topics included in the National Blood Research and Development Strategic Priorities 2022-27.

The 2022-27 Strategic Priorities consists of three priorities and three enablers. This adjustment since the 2013-16 version makes the distinction between the research and development priorities and the enabling systems and infrastructures that support them.

2022-27 Strategic Priorities

  • Optimise the use of blood and blood products
  • Optimise supply including product innovation and supply chain efficiencies
  • Reduce donor and patient adverse events

2022-27 Key enablers

  • Improve data collection, accuracy and sharing
  • Optimise health service delivery to best meet patient needs
  • Strengthen workforce capability 

National Blood Research and Development Strategic Priorities Report – 2022-27 

National Blood Research and Development Strategic Priorities 2022-27 report.PDF

National Blood Research and Development Strategic Priorities 2022-27 report.docx

If you would like a copy of the earlier 2013-16 version report, please contact Research@blood.gov.au

National Blood Sector Research and Development Program

Evaluation of the Research and Development Program

An evaluation of the National Blood Sector Research and Development Program will occur in 2023. The timeframe for Round 6 of the Program will be provided following completion of the evaluation.

If you have any questions, or you would like further information, you can contact the Program team at Research@blood.gov.au.

In September 2015 the NBA received approval from funding governments to offer two grant rounds under a blood sector research and development pilot. Following success of the pilot, the grant scheme has continued under the National Blood Sector Research and Development Program.

The Program funds a limited number of projects which are assessed as likely to produce valuable research outcomes in identified key priority areas. In addition, information gathered from the funded research will be used to inform consideration by governments of the viability and potential value of further blood sector specific research and development funding.

The Program targets topics prioritised for research by pre-existing strategic programs of the NBA and governments in the blood sector, including but not limited to:

  • patient blood management evidence gaps
  • efficient and effective use of immunoglobulin products

Funding may be available for up to three years in each round.  Projects of various types and duration will potentially be considered in the process.

Applications for grant funding will fall into one of the following categories:

  • project grants
  • seed grants
  • scholarship grants

If you would like more information please contact Research@blood.gov.au.

Results of Round 5