ISPO AUSTRALIA RESEARCH GRANT GUIDELINES

Background

The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) is a multi-disciplinary organisation comprised of persons who have a professional interest in the clinical, educational and research aspects of prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation engineering and related topics. The basic aim of the ISPO is to promote high quality care for people with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disabilities.

A variety of activities are undertaken by the ISPO including provision of advice to international and national agencies; improvement of services in developing countries through outreach activity; exchange of information through publication of its journal; provision of education through seminars, courses and conferences; and facilitation of research in related areas. These activities enable the ISPO to promote, encourage and support research, education and clinical training for professionals in prosthetics and orthotics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, engineering, rehabilitation medicine and other disciplines involved in rehabilitation of people with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders.

Australians join the ISPO through the Australian National Member Society (ISPO ANMS Inc). Towards the Society's aims, ISPO ANMS undertakes various outreach projects and holds a scientific meeting, workshop or advanced instructional course at least annually. These activities have been very successful over the past two decades. To date, they have enhanced prosthetics and orthotics services in selected South Pacific countries and have contributed to the improved quality of research and educational outcomes within Australia. Australians are now making their mark on the international stage as leaders in prosthetics and orthotics research and education.

Despite these achievements, there is increasing demand for improved research quality and for broader participation in research projects, to strengthen the evidence supporting treatment. There are some factors limiting the quality and quantity of prosthetics and orthotics research in Australia. Most of the available small grants support undergraduate student research or small-scale research within the clinical field. Limited funding is available to support researchers who lack the depth of research experience that is often considered necessary to attract grants from institutions such as the Australian Research Council and NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council). It is important for these 'early' researchers to develop their research skills so that they can contribute to improving research quality and quantity.

To address these issues and encourage research activity among its members, ISPO ANMS has established a new research grant, the ISPO Australia Research Grant (ISPO Australia RG). Details of the grant are provided below.

Applications are due on the 1st of April, 2009

Guidelines	Application form
View & download the comprehensive guidelines documentation regarding the research grant. Includes further contact information.	View and download the application in MS Word format. The document is editable and can be used in the preparation of your own application.
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