MTPConnect is calling for more industry sponsors to become part of its REDI program that will see researchers, academics, clinicians or technology transfer professionals partner with companies on projects involving discovery, translation and commercialisation.
MTPConnect administers the $32 million Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative on behalf of the federal government. The initiative was funded by the Medical Research Future Fund.
GSK has already joined the program that is providing grants of up to $250,000 to industry to secure one of up to 40 industry Fellowships.
“Creating links between industry and research is critical for the growth and success of the MTP sector. Our new REDI Fellowships program provides companies with the financial support to bring academics and clinicians in-house for up to twelve months to work on priority medical research projects,” said MTPConnect managing director and CEO Dr Dan Grant.
“Our Fellowship program will require that the researcher or clinician return to their home institution for a period at least equal to the term of the fellowship.
“This will help address the issue of ‘brain drain’ of researcher talent into companies and ensure we embed high-level commercial experience in the research sector,” Dr Grant said.
The application process will see applicants identify a potential Fellow that matches them to a specific research and development project.
Sponsors can select three types of Fellowships - one-year full time, 6 - 12 months full time or 6 – 12 months where the Fellow spends 50 per cent of their time working with the sponsor.
MTPConnect said, subject to COVID-19 restrictions, international Fellowships will be considered.
Applications open on 15 December 2020 and will remain open until either the funds are fully committed or until October 2022.
MTPConnect said it is holding an information session on 17 December (11 am to 12 pm AEDT). Registration and more information are available online.