A total funding pool of nearly half a million dollars has been put up for investigator-driven research in Australia.

The Institute of Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) is calling for expressions of interest in its 2014 Development Grant Program. Around $400,00 is available for relevant innovations or research projects in the areas of safety, compensation, recovery and neurotrauma.

“The grants are a great important opportunity for researchers to initiate research that delivers tangible benefits to our industry partners – WorkSafe Victoria and TAC – and ultimately to their clients,” Professor Ellis said.

Small-scale research projects could get a boost of $20,000 or $50,000 if they apply successfully. Grants will be awarded to further the work of existing ISCRR research programs under the headings of Occupational Health and Safety, Return to Work and System Design, Health and Disability Services Delivery and Neurotrauma.

The developments grant program has been running for four years now, handing out over a million dollars for twenty-four different endeavours across the country.

“One of the previous projects that looked at the client experience in the compensation process led to practical materials being created to improve the skills of the claims’ officers,” Professor Ellis said.

“Another project developed a tool kit to improve knowledge and skills about work-related and psycho-social factors present in musculoskeletal disorders.”

ISCRR is a joint venture between Monash University, WorkSafe Victoria and the TAC. Development Grant EOI Application Packs are available here.