Recognising 10 years of research impact

Recognising 10 years of research impact

A new five-year research partnership was announced recently, during an event celebrating a decade of ISCRR’s research impact.

The Institute for Safety Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) celebrated ten years of research excellence at a special Research Showcase, in Melbourne on Friday 26 July. A new five-year ISCRR research partnership between Monash University and WorkSafe Victoria was announced at the Showcase.

The event was formally opened by WorkSafe Victoria (Clare Amies, Chief Executive) and Monash University (Sarah Newton, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise) and Deputy Dean, External Relations).

During her opening statement Clare Amies said, “I’ve seen first-hand ISCRR’s growth over the years and the value its evidence-based research has brought to our organisation. ISCRR has shaped WorkSafe’s return to work strategy and engagement with occupational rehabilitation providers, supporting thousands of injured workers return to safe, sustainable work and achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Ms Amies went on to announce that WorkSafe and Monash University have recently signed a new Research Institute Collaboration Agreement to secure ISCRR’s ongoing operations until 2024. “Five years is a significant commitment and is testament to the value of our ongoing partnership and desire to continue achieving real change through cutting-edge research,” she said.

Sarah Newton also praised the ISCRR partnership model saying that it “has provided a template for several other successful partnerships between the University, government and industry.”

Samantha Barker (Director of ISCRR) said, “With the support of our partners, we have had a positive impact on the health, wellbeing, productivity and economy of the State. The Institute’s research has helped to improve the lives of millions of Victorians, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue this work.”

The first part of the agenda for the afternoon symposium was given over to review of ISCRR’s history. Former ISCRR CEOs, Professor Niki Ellis and Professor Alex Collie, reflected on the origins and evolution of ISCRR, and the impact of its research across the years.

There followed several presentations that demonstrated how ISCRR research continues to lead change for its partners. A wide variety of topics was covered, including:

• occupational exposure to bitumen fumes,
• the development of WorkSafe’s WorkWell program,
• systems thinking in the prevention of patient-handling injuries, and
• nerve transfers for the restoration of upper limb function in tetraplegia (as recently reported in national and international media).

The event was well appreciated by those in the audience, with one attendee remarking that the Showcase “was a great reminder of how strong and important the research conducted by ISCRR over the past decade has been. It’s great to reflect on how much has been achieved and the difference it has made.”

Five-year partnership

A number of initiatives flow from the renewed research partnership, including:

• Work is already underway to develop a National Research Collaboration, of which Monash University will be the primary academic partner.
• A National Register of Researchers will be established within the next 12 months, to support the relationship between WorkSafe Victoria and ISCRR.
• Through its co-located model, ISCRR will continue to deliver high quality and relevant research that is fit for purpose and ensures maximum impact for the partners.