The Victorian Government has called for input to a consultation process on its $10 million Mental Illness Research Fund.

 

Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the consultation would help shape the priority research areas to be funded.

 

"The Mental Illness Research Fund will support a small number of significant grants to facilitate high quality, collaborative and innovative research, which can translate into real improvements for Victorians with a mental illness."

 

An expert advisory committee, chaired by Professor Bruce Tonge and supported by Neurosciences Victoria, has been appointed to provide advice on all aspects of the fund.

 

"The advisory committee will initially identify the strategic research priorities, in consultation with the mental health sector and research agencies," Ms Wooldridge said.

 

"The consultation process will highlight areas that would benefit from further research and assist in focusing the Fund's investment.

 

"The research funded will provide evidence to support major improvements and innovations to our mental healthcare system."

 

The consultation process, which will run until 5 December 2011, is through completion of a survey that can be accessed at: www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/reformstrategy/mi-research-fund.htm