Health Research

Research is critical to improving care experiences and outcomes, strengthening our health system, reducing inequities, and delivering economic benefits for New South Wales. This award recognises research and programs that reflect the vision of the ​NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2​​025​–2030 which aims to create a vibrant, p​erson-centred ecosystem that improves care delivery, drives system efficiency and sustainability, and advances equity in access and health outcomes. Collaboration remains central, bringing together clinicians, researchers, patients, communities, policy makers and industry to generate evidence and accelerate impact.​​

This category recognises research as defined by the​ National Health and Medical Research Council​:

  • Basic Science Research: seeks to understand the biological processes that underpin health and disease at the molecular, cellular, organ system and whole-body levels. It may be conducted in vitro, in vivo and/or in silico. It may use, but is not limited to, cells, tissues or other materials of human origin or from relevant animal models.
  • Clinical Medicine and Science Research: seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases and conditions. It may involve interaction with patients and/or the use of clinical diagnostic materials or patient data.
  • Health Services Research: seeks to understand and improve the effectiveness, quality, safety, social and environmental dimensions of health care including access, distribution, timeliness and efficiency. Includes implementation science and translation research.
  • Public Health Research: seeks to improve the health of a population through the prevention of disease, prolongation of life and promotion of health and wellbeing. It includes research to understand the social, behavioural, environmental and other determinants of health and disease.

Please note that quality assurance projects and systematic reviews without an associated empirical data-gathering component are not eligible for this category.

Nominations must demonstrate outstanding achievements in one or more of the following:

  • using existing and emerging research evidence to ensure the delivery of safe, dependable care and improved outcomes.
  • translating research into practice to drive measurable improvements in care delivery, system efficiency, and sustainability.
  • helping clinicians and health decision-makers effectively find and use research to inform policy and practice.
  • creating research partnerships or collaborations across precincts, networks, local health districts, statewide services, universities and industry, that have influenced policy or practice and strengthened NSW Health's research ecosystem.
  • recognition by decision-makers of the impact of research on their policies or practices, demonstrating a clear pipeline from discovery to implementation.
  • leveraging digital innovations, health information and data analytics (including shared assets and infrastructure) to enable health research, reflecting an open assets philosophy.
  • successfully implementing a program or initiative that accelerates research and innovation and demonstrates scalability across settings.
  • actively embedding consumer, community and patient involvement in research design and delivery, with a strong commitment to equity in access and health outcomes.