Clinical Fellowships

Funding Allocation

Category	Details
Total Project Funding Available	$80,000 per year
Project Funding Duration	Up to 3 years

Purpose

The Clinical Fellowships aim to fund outstanding clinicians* at any career stage within the field of dust diseases research. These fellowships are designed to foster collaboration across industry, research organisations, and disciplines. They seek to strengthen research and clinical capacity in dust diseases fields, such as, but not limited to, thoracic oncology, respiratory health, public health, nursing, psychology and radiology. Ultimately, the program aims to enhance research, medical, and healthcare capability in relevant dust diseases fields, improving patient outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

*Definition of clinician: In the context of DDB-funding, a clinician is a healthcare professional, such as a medical doctor, nurse, or allied health worker, who actively engages in patient care and is looking to develop as a researcher or enhance their research skills. They apply their clinical expertise to conduct research that directly informs and enhances the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dust diseases. This role is essential in translating research findings into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.

Scope

The fellowships support:

• Clinicians at Any Career Stage: Engaging in innovative research that spans various aspects of dust diseases, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and patient care. This includes developing new diagnostic tools, therapeutic methods, and preventive measures.

• Prevention-Focused Research: Research aimed at identifying and mitigating workplace or environmental factors contributing to dust diseases. This includes developing effective preventive strategies and best practices to reduce exposure risks and prevent the onset of dust diseases in vulnerable populations.

• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: Promoting partnerships between industry and research organisations to address complex challenges in dust diseases.

• Capacity Building: Strengthening the clinical workforce by providing opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging interaction with patient communities to ensure research addresses real-world needs and improves patient outcomes.

• Technology Development: Supporting the development and application of new technologies in diagnosing and treating dust diseases.

• Policy Influence: Facilitating research that informs policy and practice, contributing to the development of evidence-based guidelines and regulations.

Objectives

• Fund Outstanding Clinicians: Provide financial support to clinicians engaged in pioneering research in dust diseases.

• Build Collaboration: Encourage interdisciplinary and cross-organisational collaboration to enhance the scope and impact of dust diseases research.

• Strengthen Capacity: Develop and enhance clinical and research capabilities in fields related to dust diseases.

• Enhance Capability: Improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes through advanced research and clinical applications.

Requirements

• High-Quality Proposals: Research proposals must address significant stages of the dust disease lifecycle, including risk identification, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life improvements.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Proposals should demonstrate innovative methodologies and integrate knowledge from various disciplines to tackle dust diseases effectively.
• Future Translation: Candidates must outline potential future applications of their research, highlighting how findings might be translated into practice or policy.
• Sustainability and Impact: Proposals should contribute to foundational knowledge and outline a clear path for sustainable impact and future research development. 

Alignment with the DDB Strategic Priorities 2025-2029

• Engagement with the Research Community: By targeting clinicians at any career stage, the fellowships enhance the DDB's engagement with an emerging group of researchers, aligning with long-term strategic goals.

• Adaptive Funding Approach: The fellowships reflect the strategic aim to adapt funding practices to support emerging needs and innovative research in dust disease management.

• Comprehensive Research Support: By addressing all lifecycle stages of dust diseases, the fellowships ensure responsiveness to dynamic research needs, supporting the development of new treatments, preventive measures, and quality of life improvements.

Alignment with the DDB Grant Strategy Guiding Principles

• Early-Stage Innovation: The fellowships support the exploration of innovative ideas at early stages, bringing fresh perspectives and solutions to the field.

• Capacity Building: Focusing on clinicians, the fellowships build essential capacities in both basic and applied research, critical for future advancements.

• Quality of Life Enhancement: The research funded aims to benefit NSW workers with dust diseases and their families, aligning with the DDB’s commitment to enhancing well-being.

• Research Translation: Supports the principle of accelerating the translation of research into practice and policy, ensuring meaningful outcomes in dust disease management.

• Understanding and Prevention: Encourages research that deepens the understanding of dust diseases, crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.