The Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI)

The Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI) is a $63 million health research fund that supports research into Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) conducted by Victorian scientists in collaboration with national and international colleagues. It was established by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) with funding for 2005-2010.

In addition to the significant biological, physical and social costs of TBI and SCI, an Access Economics report estimated that the lifetime costs of brain and spinal cord injuries occurring in 2008 alone was $10.5 billion in Australia.

In order to reduce the burden of these injuries, the VNI seeks to enhance coordination and collaboration between neurotrauma researchers, clinicians, facilities, and projects. To achieve this aim the VNI has developed a set of strategic goals to guide its’ activities:

o  Goal 1: Fund internationally competitive neurotrauma research

o  Goal 2: Facilitate enhanced capacity and capability within the Victorian neurotrauma research community

o  Goal 3: Facilitate the translation of research findings within the Victorian healthcare system and amongst TAC clients

The VNI has developed a range of funding initiatives including a substantial body of research projects, research programs, capacity building initiatives, and numerous support activities including among others things:

o  4 large international multi-disciplinary programs of research

o  38 research projects

o  13 fellowships

o  Sponsorship of the ANZSCoS Conference and a networking event at the ISCoS Conference

o  Conference attendance support for VNI-funded researchers

o  the VNI Seminar Series

o  Sponsorship of short courses in media training, science writing and knowledge translation

Collaboration is key to advancing our goals. The VNI is currently conducting a joint project funding round with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) as well as offering project and fellowship/awards funding via the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

To further our international links, the VNI has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. The relationship has already produced results with a number of Ontarian researchers actively collaborating with their Victorian counterparts.

Ultimately, the VNI aims to improve the outcomes for people suffering from the effects of neurotrauma and establish the Victorian research sector as a global leader in neurotrauma research and development.