Paediatric Research Roundtable

The NSW Office for Science and Medical Research (OSMR) is establishing a clinical research network program to facilitate medical research collaborations across NSW. The aim is to enhance existing collaborations and to promote the translation of research into clinical practice. It is widely acknowledged that research networks also provide opportunities to share expertise and resources; to reduce infrastructure costs; and attract increased funding and investment.

In December 2008 a Paediatric Research Roundtable recommended that a research network be formed to facilitate high quality clinical trials into medicines and other therapeutic interventions for children. Download a summary of the Paediatric Research Roundtable.

During the Roundtable, OSMR agreed to convene a working group to consider and deliver the next steps. The working group includes representation from each of the three major paediatric tertiary treatment centres and neonatal care. Download the working group's Terms of Reference and membership details for the proposed Better Treatments 4 Kids Research Network.

A key driver for the Better Treatments 4 Kids Research Network arises from the gap in research evidence for safe and effective use of medicines for children, and the need to encourage clinical trials that include infants, children and young people in NSW and Australia.