Getting Involved
There are many ways you can get involved in research that will make a difference to people with a disability or those who are ageing.
Everyone, however, can keep us informed about their ideas.
Have you ever had an idea for a device, project or system that would make your job easier or would benefit your child? Have you ever thought there may be a more effective way to improve a person’s functioning or deliver a therapy service? Have you ever wondered if there was a service that could help you research or develop a new product or idea?
If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', then we encourage you to contact us to explore your problem or develop your idea. Please refer to the research project selection criteria.
The Division of Research and Innovation is always open to new ideas and problems to solve – any idea has the potential to start us heading in a new direction that will make a big difference to people’s lives. We can help develop the idea, determine who would be best to undertake the work, and draw on our skilled team and connections to find the answers needed.
Please take a look at our current project areas because you might find your idea is very close to something we are already worked on, and we would be happy to discuss the idea or project with you. If it is a new idea, we may be able to provide some resources to begin a preliminary investigation.
So, if you've ever thought 'It would be great if...' or 'My life would be easier if I had ... ', here is your chance to have the R&I team help find some answers to your problem, project or idea.
Email your thoughts to the team at research@novita.org.au or fax on 8243 8208.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Clinical Research Project Ideas Form (PDF-232Kb)
The Division of Research and Innovation has been refining its project selection process since the creation of the department to establish and maintain ISO 9001 Quality Accreditation and as a result of annual reviews of the department. The essential criteria for project selection have not changed significantly over the past few years, however the process of evaluation against the following criteria have been modified.
The criteria for project approval are as follows:
- the idea must have the potential to enhance the lives of or provide benefit to more than one individual
- ideas should promote a collaborative relationship between research staff and clinical staff, caregivers and end users
- the idea must provide an opportunity for the Division to create an innovative, technological solution that meets the needs of people with disabilities in South Australia
- where possible, the need for the idea should have arisen due to a lack of other existing, suitable or alternative solutions in the market. The idea should contribute to developing and piloting of a new product or service alternative
- the idea or problem solution must be in keeping with Novita Strategic Directions
- there must be a ‘project champion’ (ideally the person who submits the idea) who is willing to be involved with the project through to completion
- The idea should potentially demonstrate one or more of the following measurable benefits, to justify the allocation of Novita resources:
- to enhance the lives of Novita clients
- provide a marketable/profitable end product
- provide a significant time or cost saving outcome (this could be to staff, clients, carers, etc.)
- strive to enhance client satisfaction with the services of Novita
- clinical-based ideas should strive to increase the efficiency of Novita staff, and in doing so, benefit Novita clients.
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