Evaluation of the Medical Research Future Fund's Clinical Trial Activity

The evaluation aims to assess:

*progress made through the MRFF in supporting clinical trials in Australia

*the alignment of funded clinical trials with long-term objectives set out in the MRFF10-year investment plan and the MRFF Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Strategy (https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/mrff-monitoring-evaluation-and-learning-strategy-2020-21-to-2023-24).

The key evaluation questions include:

*how the MRFF has contributed to clinical trials in Australia

*how MRFF funded trials compared with other national and international clinical trials

*are there opportunities to enhance MRFF funding and granting arrangements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of MRFF funded clinical trials.

Results from the evaluation will be used to inform future funding and granting arrangements for clinical trials through the MRFF.

In delivering the evaluation, the Supplier will:

*provide secretariat, research, and coordination support for the evaluation

*develop a project plan outlining the approach for the evaluation, following an inception meeting with the Department

*undertake a desktop review of MRFF funded projects (within the Clinical Trials Activity initiative and also of other clinical trial projects across the MRFF) and compare them with those funded nationally and internationally

*conduct a survey of recipients of MRFF grants that include a clinical trial to gather further information to support the evaluation

*conduct a comprehensive consultation process with key stakeholders nationally and internationally to supplement findings from the desktop review

*The Department has identified potential stakeholders for the consultation however will engage with the successful Supplier in finalising the list.

*provide reports outlining insights and findings arising from the evaluation.

The Supplier’s team must have strong expertise in and knowledge of clinical trials, including practical experience in the field.