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FAQ
What is unique about Garvan? How does Garvan set its research
priorities? Where does Garvan's funding come from? Find out the answers
to our most frequently asked questions.
Other medical research enterprises are often defined by their focus on
very basic research without obvious clinical relevance, a single
disease area, a major technology, or commercial potential. Garvan has a
unique profile on the world stage, due to the integration of the
following aspects:
- A special partnership with a major teaching hospital (St Vincent’s)
that enables us to integrate basic and clinical research
- Established strengths in cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases,
osteoporosis and brain diseases which allow us to bring a
multi-disciplinary approach to these complex disorders
- A willingness to combine traditional medical knowledge with the
latest in genetic research
- Use of numerous state-of-the-art technologies, especially at the
interface of biology and information technology. Garvan’s size and
diversity of research programs allow it to maintain sophisticated
technologies such as gene chip arrays, confocal microscopy, automated
cell sorting, electrophysiology and gene sequencing
- A commitment to attaining practical outcomes from our research
discoveries through innovative commercialisation approaches
Garvan is primarily focused on research, so around 85% of our budget
goes directly to research. The only two exceptions are:
To see the exact breakdown of funding, see our Annual Report, on this
web site under About Us.
Several different criteria are applied to arrive at Garvan's
research priorities, which are continually re-evaluated:
- The importance and/or prevalence of a disease or disability in the
community
- The status of international science in the field
- The 'fit' within existing Garvan strengths
- The availability of research groups
- Opportunities for funding
Garvan was originally established as a research department of St.
Vincent's Hospital, and remains part of the overall hospital campus.
There is a close partnership between the two entities to ensure the
most effective translation of research discoveries into clinical
practice. A number of Garvan researchers are also clinicians who
practice at St. Vincent's.
Garvan publishes its research discoveries in international journals
which only accept new findings. Our researchers are part of a worldwide
scientific community that competes for publishing discoveries and
international funding. This competition is a key element in driving
scientific success. Garvan scientists participate regularly in
international scientific meetings where there are opportunities to
share progress and pick up new ideas. They are also engaged in many
research collaborations all over the world.
Garvan engages in research activities using adult stem cells, mainly
in the field of hearing loss. We have a policy of not carrying out
research on embryonic stem cells - partly because this is not relevant
to our research, and partly because of our close relationship with St.
Vincent's Hospital and Sisters of Charity.
Garvan observes protocols derived by the Australian Government on
research using stem cells.
Garvan has close working relationships with both the Federal and NSW
Governments to implement research in health priority areas and identify
opportunities for social and economic value. We have very little
interaction with local government.
We have four main categories of senior research scientists,
which reflects their seniority and track record.
They are: Senior Principal Research Fellow (the highest level),
Principal Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, and Research
Fellow.
Similarly, our Postdoctoral Research Fellows are referred to as
either Senior Research Officers or Research Officers.
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