About
Supporting the next generation of clinical research leaders
The Clinical Science Incubator is a Melbourne Medical School initiative developed with partner hospitals to strengthen the clinical research workforce across the health system.
Clinician-scientists and clinically-focussed discovery scientists play a vital role in translating research into better patient care. Yet many emerging research leaders face significant barriers, including limited protected research time, increasing clinical demands and highly competitive funding environments.
Why it matters?
With philanthropic support, the Clinical Science Incubator empowers emerging clinical research leaders to navigate these challenges by providing the time, mentoring and flexibility needed to build independent research programs, lead innovation and improve outcomes for patients.
Building a clinician or discovery scientist career takes years of dedicated investment:
- 15+ years of combined clinical and research training before many clinician-scientists reach independence
- 10+ years of advanced research training before many discovery scientists establish independent research careers
Without tailored support, we risk losing this investment as growing pressure from clinical workloads and funding constraints makes it increasingly difficult for these talented individuals to sustain their engagement in research.
Our impact:
Retaining outstanding talent, accelerating better care, improving health outcomes with stronger research leadership and future health breakthroughs.
Who and how we support?
Emerging Clinical Research Leaders
Within 8 years post-PhD; Academic Level B/C
We aim to provide essential research time and career development to establish sustainable careers in clinical and translational research.
Future Clinical Research Leaders
Mid-Career Researchers 8-15 years post-PhD; Level D
We aim to strengthen research leadership, retain exceptional talent and maximise long-term impact across healthcare and research systems.
Research support initiatives
Clinical Research Capability and Grant Development
Across a range of supports including grant development, collaborative research initiatives and translational research capability building, the clinical science incubator aims to strengthen the broader clinical research ecosystem, increase competitiveness for national and international funding opportunities and maximise healthcare impact across the University and its health service partners.