Key Programs

The NSW Office for Science and Medical Research is working to achieve our objectives through a number of key programs. These include the grant and funding programs which are part of the BioFirst Strategy and the Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions Fund, and new areas such as the development of a Medical Research Plan and an Approach to Innovation and Science in New South Wales. 

BioFirst Strategy

The NSW Government’s Biotechnology Strategy, BioFirst, was launched by NSW Premier Bob Carr in 2001. BioFirst provided $68 million in new funding for biotechnology in NSW, in addition to resources already available through NSW Health, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Department of State and Regional Development.

The programs funded under the BioFirst Strategy are divided into three categories;

1. BioPlatform focuses on research and development initiatives. BioPlatform provides funding and support to biotechnology research and research facilities.
2. BioBusiness programs promote and assist the translation of research into commercial products. BioBusiness takes science from the lab to the market place.
3. BioEthics includes funding for conferences.

Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions Fund

In 2003, the Premier of NSW, Premier Bob Carr announced the State Government will spend $35.9 million over the next four years on research and extra services for people with physical disabilities.

The Premier made the announcement at Making Connections - the Premier's Forum on Spinal Injury and Conditions in Sydney. The free, two day forum attracted world renowned scientists, researchers, clinicians and physicians as well as hundreds of Australians living with spinal cord injury and conditions, their carers and families. Special guest at the conference was the late actor, director and author, Christopher Reeve.

Part of this funding includes $10.9 million over four years to establish the Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions Fund to promote biomedical research into spinal cord injury and neurological conditions. This fund is administered by the Office for Science and Medical Research, and consists of a Research Grants Program, Spinal Exchange Program, and the Making Connections website and e-newsletter.

Medical Research Plan

The Office is developing a Health and Medical Research Plan which will build on the recommendations contained in the report NSW Research – A Prescription for Health. This plan will articulate a 10 year vision for medical research in NSW and how we will achieve that vision.

Innovation and Science

OSMR is presently developing an Innovation and Science Strategy that aims to improve the NSW science and innovation landscape for scientists and their work. The approach will focus co-ordinating a whole of Government approach to science & innovation, raising the profile of science, and promoting collaboration.