Applications will be considered in all aspects of research in lymphoedema: basic science and clinical practice with the emphasis on research into the prevention, detection, diagnosis and management of lymphoedema and other chronic oedemas.
All applications expecting to receive funding from a successful proposal must be full members or student members of the ALA.
Application is restricted to those within five (5) years of their primary qualification (with consideration given for career interruptions) and a documented history of work in lymphoedema. Grants are not available to supplement existing research programs.
Co-investigators who are not members of the ALA can be named in a proposal and be part of a successful project but will not be directly funded.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining whatever institutional approval they will require to apply for and receive funds from this call. Where ethical approval for the research is required, evidence of receipt of that approval is to be provided – funds may not be available until evidence is provided.
There is no set limit to the number of applications an individual may be involved with, but a person cannot submit more than one (1) application as a Principal Investigator.
Applicants may apply for grants up to a maximum of $10,000.
There is a supplied pro-forma which must be used for the research project application. The stipulated word limits must be adhered to.
Several of the text boxes stipulate the use of dot points – please follow the instructions.
A summary of the pro-forma is provided at the end of this document. You must review this pro-forma before completing the application form to ensure you complete the form as required. A link to download the application form is at the end of the pro-forma example (below)
Applications must be received at the ALA Office by close of business on Friday 10 April 2020. Applications are to be emailed to the Executive Officer at execofficer@lymphoedema.org.au
Successful applicants will be announced at the ALA Conference 28–30 May 2020.
All proposals will be reviewed by the ALA Research Committee and recommendations made to the ALA Board. The Research Committee consists of researchers, clinicians and representatives of the ALA Board, and may also seek the advice of independent experienced researchers as part of the review process.
The following criteria will be used to assess the proposals:
Can the project be delivered on time and within budget?
Successful applicants will be required to submit a progress report at the midway mark of the project and a final report in a format supplied by the ALA.
All publications, conference presentations and other outputs from the research will be required to acknowledge the ALA. All written outputs will be posted or linked to the ALA website.
If you would like further information, please email execofficer@lymphoedema.org.au and your query will be passed on to the Research Committee who will respond.
All clinicians will have many questions about their practice for which they would like an answer. Initially the idea of doing research can appear to be overwhelming for someone early in their career but the ALA encourages you to have a go! To help, some tips for writing a winning grant application are given below.
• Make sure you read the assessment criteria, duration of funding, length of proposal and instructions carefully.
• Start writing your application as soon as you can. Working in teams with people who bring different skills to the research team is ideal – think of your workmates, and others whom you know that have the same interests with respect to lymphoedema as you. Approach an established researcher to be part of your team. Allow enough time for review of your grant application and feedback from peers, mentors and colleagues.
• Have you included an original or innovative question, goal or hypothesis?
• Have you provided a clear rationale for the project you have proposed?
• Make sure the project aims are clear.
• Is your research plan organised and logical? Is it definite, yet flexible?
• Are the steps and processes described likely to lead to the stated outcomes? Is there sufficient evidence that the project is achievable?
• Does it lead to a solution? Would it be useful to other clinicians or people with lymphoedema?
• Is your project feasible and realistic? (Not excessively ambitious or grandiose).
The Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) is committed to promoting the development of lymphology in Australasia. The Association will strive to improve the management of those with, or at risk of developing lymphoedema and enhance communication between health professionals, educators, relevant authorities and government in regard to oedemas and lymphoedema.
