We provide support and guidance to staff who want to explore new ways to improve patient care through research. Our friendly team helps with ethics and governance applications, and makes sure all research follows the proper regulatory and safety standards.

We deliver the hospital's research strategy and clinical trials governance framework, ensuring all studies are conducted safely and effectively. We work closely with universities and healthcare partners to turn good ideas into real-world improvements for patients.

Our goal is to create a positive environment where research can thrive, helping our hospital deliver the best possible care based on the latest medical knowledge.

Working with research teams

The Discovery & Innovation Unit typically works with principal investigators, associate investigators, research managers, study coordinators, or honours, masters or PhD students, to make sure their projects adhere to national standards and protocols.

The role of the Discovery & Innovation Unit is to provide:

• research oversight, including legal agreement review, sign off and management, ethical review and other reviews and approvals related to research
• research governance and overall accountability, including National Clinical Trials Governance Framework, and
• research reporting, monitoring and management of risk-based monitoring, research misconduct and integrity.

Collaborating with our departments

The Discovery & Innovation Unit partners with a number of Austin Health departments such as Pathology, Pharmacy and Radiology to provide on-site services to research teams. This includes specialised clinical trials pathology testing, pharmacy dispensing of experimental drugs and bespoke radiological imaging, amongst other services.

We also have the support of the Austin Health legal team who provides dedicated hours to research-specific agreements to manage and mitigate risks to Austin Health.

Research Strategy

Research excellence is at the heart of providing outstanding patient care.

The Discovery & Innovation Unit has developed a comprehensive organisation-wide research strategic plan that aligns with and supports Austin Health's broader organisational strategy.

This enabling strategic plan recognises research as a fundamental pillar of our institution's future. Our vision is to create an environment where research flourishes, directly enhancing both patient outcomes and staff fulfilment.

We have committed to five strategic priorities:

• Attract and nurture outstanding researchers and research initiatives
• Bring together innovative technology forward solutions and skilled workforce
• Co-design consumer-driven exceptional research
• Explore and address barriers across continuum of research and care
• Cultivate collaboration and transparency across research enablers and providers

By fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry across all departments, we aim to position Austin Health as a premier destination for healthcare professionals passionate about contributing to medical advancement.

Download our Research Strategy

National Clinical Trials Governance Framework

Every decision that the HREC and DIU make is made with consideration of the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (NCTGF). Our team of ethics and governance advisors are on hand to help research teams navigate the framework and ensure their trials adopt the principles that govern how research is done in Australia.

Visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website to read more about the NCTGF Framework.

Visit the Knowledge Base on Research Architect to access NCTGF templates and resources.