Translational research priorities and principles

We are currently reviewing the translational research priorities to ensure they continue to reflect emerging evidence, evolving health system needs and opportunities for improvement.

Until updated priorities are approved and published, the Translational Research Priorities 2022–2024 remain the current framework guiding our translational research activities and investment.

Download the Translational Research Priorities 2022-2024

Purpose of the priorities and principles

The Translational Research Priorities and Principles guide research effort and investment toward areas of greatest need and opportunity across Victoria's health system.

They help focus research on improving health outcomes, addressing health system challenges and supporting evidence-informed policy and practice.

The priorities guide Safer Care Victoria's translational research activities, including programs and partnerships that support healthcare improvement through research.

The framework supports research that:

• addresses priority health and health system challenges
• improves health service delivery and patient outcomes
• responds to patient, consumer and community needs
• reduces inequities and improves outcomes for priority populations
• translates new and emerging evidence into policy and practice.

Priority areas

The current priorities focus on two broad research areas.

Population and public health

Health research that supports better outcomes for Victorian communities through:

• improving mental health and wellbeing
• strengthening engagement with populations at risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases
• building evidence on the health impacts of climate change.

Health service delivery and system capability

Health research that supports improvements in how care is delivered by:

• informing home and integrated models of care
• strengthening Aboriginal-defined performance measures
• supporting consumer partnerships in healthcare decisions
• reducing low-value care
• enabling learning health systems and continuous improvement
• addressing sex and gender differences in healthcare.

Research principles

All translational research should be guided by five principles.

Equity and inclusion

Research considers and addresses inequities and includes priority cohorts, groups and communities.

Sex and gender

Research considers sex and gender differences where relevant and supports inclusive participation.

Person centred

Research is informed by patient, consumer and community needs, experiences and perspectives.

Collaboration

Research draws on multidisciplinary expertise and partnerships to strengthen impact and implementation.

Translation

Research is designed with a clear pathway to influence policy, practice and health outcomes.