NSW Office for Science and Medical Research

The NSW Office for Science and Medical Research (OSMR) promotes growth and innovation in science and medical research, and supports and enhances the public profile of the sector to achieve better economic, technological, health and environmental outcomes for the people of NSW.

Nature and scope of activities

The OSMR works with the scientific, technological, health and medical research communities, the higher education sector and business to promote progress and advances in science and medical research.

The Office for Science and Medical Research’s major objectives are to:

• Build the State’s knowledge base to respond to challenges and opportunities within the research sector.
• Ensure that the State’s R&D capabilities underpin State Plan priorities and implement Innovation Statement principles.
• Promote national and international collaborations in science and medical research in NSW to attract increased investment to NSW.
• Create strong linkages between the higher education sector, business and the community.
• Optimise the effectiveness of the NSW Government’s investment in science and medical research.
• Continuously identify new areas of science and medical research of relevance to NSW.

The Office for Science and Medical Research works towards these outcomes through:

• targeted grants programs
• strategic investments in areas of State strength
• creation of research networks and hubs
• sponsorship and organisation of forums, workshops, conferences and promotional activities
• advice on legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives impacting on science and medical research
• performance or support of science communication and public engagement activities

Research infrastructure platforms

New South Wales has internationally competitive strengths in areas such as clinical research, medical devices, proteomics, photonics and advanced computing. National biomedical research leaders in New South Wales include the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Westmead Millennium Institute and Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, as well as 11 universities located in NSW, two of which are ranked in the top 50 global universities.

Attracting funding from national and international sources requires research critical mass, and high quality capital stock and infrastructure, as well as world class researchers. It also increasingly requires an environment which balances collaboration with competition and where industry linkages are necessary. The state of NSW provides an environment where researchers are supported and their funding options are enhanced by close ties between industry, government and the research sector. The NSW Office for Science and Medical Research also creates networks and alliances to make state-of-the-art research infrastructure and technology available for use by researchers, industry and government.

Commonwealth and Australian States and Territories mechanisms

OSMR works with the Commonwealth, Australian States and Territories through mechanisms including the:

• Australian Chief Scientist
• NSW synchrotron consortium (ensuring alignment of the NSW investment with State Government priorities and maintaining engagement with the Victorian Government and Australian Synchrotron)
• Nanotechnology States and Territories Committee
• NCRIS States and Territories Officials Committee
• CSIRO and ANSTO

Contact

Ph: 02 9338 6787
Fax: 02 9338 6760

Email: info@osmr.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.osmr.nsw.gov.au