Cabrini Research Annual Report 2020-21 Message from the Chair
Message from the Chair, Cabrini Research Committee Our 2020-21 Cabrini Research report demonstrates the strong commitment of the Cabrini Board and Cabrini Executive to progress and strengthen research at Cabrini Health. We continue to work in conjunction with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing excellence in community participation. Research output and research strategic development reflect the resilience and passion of all participants including research and executive staff, our patients and other members of the Cabrini community.
• De-coupling of research and education; the latter being integrated within relevant clinical disciplines;
Whilst it may feel at times as if the world around us has been treading water in an effort to combat successive waves of COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria, the Cabrini Institute, now renamed ‘Cabrini Research’ has retained a strong forward momentum – building on prior successes and restructuring in accordance with a comprehensive review undertaken in 2020.
• Development of a comprehensive performance outcomes and evaluation framework.
The Institute review, undertaken by the Miller Network Group, recommended the following key changes which have been, or are in the process of being adopted, including: • Restructure of Cabrini Institute governance with institution of a Cabrini Research Committee, a Board subcommittee, development of a separate Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and review of governance policies and processes to ensure research quality, accountability and transparency;
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• Continued focus on translational and health services research, with a focus on key research pillars (some already existing and some to be developed), aligned to Cabrini Health strategic objectives, community need and mission. This will include establishment of a Clinical Trials Business Unit (CTBU); • Development of strategic research collaborations in Victoria, nationally and internationally;
From a strong field of applicants, Professor Gary Richardson OAM was appointed to the position of Group Director Cabrini Research in 2021, having previously been Acting Group Director during the period of review. He has worked tirelessly to meet the demands of the restructure recommendations, whilst continuing to support and provide oversight to existing research projects and staff. We are delighted to welcome him to this position and to support his role in implementing the recommendations of the review. The recently appointed members of the Cabrini Research Committee include people with outstanding academic and business qualifications as well as the diverse personal strengths and perspectives that will ensure Cabrini Research is in the best position to optimise research opportunities
