National SIDS Council of Australia (SIDS and Kids) Research Funding

SIDS and Kids Research Direction

SIDS and Kids has been funding research nationally since 1988. In this period millions of dollars has been devoted to researching the possible causes of unexplained infant death, SIDS and the methodology of prevention of SIDS.

Projects have covered the broad scope of epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, sociology, histology, physiology and pathology.

SIDS and Kids supports a wide range of research into mortality in infants (two years and under) who die suddenly and unexpectedly from stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death and SIDS.

The aim is to promote and assist Scientific and Medical Research related to the possible causes, effects and/or prevention of infant death.
The research work may be concerned with basic sciences, clinical investigations or any respect of psychological, sociological or educational research which may be relevant.

SIDS and Kids will advocate for and fund research, which is aimed at reducing mortality in infants (two years and under) who die suddenly and unexpectedly from stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death and SIDS.

Research Focus

In the past few years SIDS and Kids has been unable to fund extensive research and has been directing its resources to its SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Education program. This evidence based health promotion program has saved the lives of over 4,000 Australian babies.

SIDS and Kids is pleased to announce that in 2005 we will again be funding research which is aimed at reducing mortality in infants (two years and under) who die suddenly and unexpectedly from stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death and SIDS. They may be in the form of research projects, Fellowships or PhD’s.

In November 2002 the National SIDS Council Board agreed that there would be a particular research focus in the area of unexplained stillbirth between 32 and 43 weeks gestation. This does not mean that other projects will not considered.

More Information on SIDS and Kids Research Funding

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Research Foundation Inc (SA)

The Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation (SIDRF) call for applications for research support (which might include granting of Research Fellowships) in the field of sudden death in infancy twice a year in February and August.

Applicants need to consider certain points before submitting a request.

• animal studies will not be considered
• if sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the focus of the proposal, it must abide by the 1993 NICHD definition of SIDS

Furthermore, any hypothesis on SIDS must take account of the success of the “Back to Sleep” Campaign.

Nevertheless:

• In our community as a whole, a few infants still die unexpectedly. Research is needed into the true incidence of prone sleeping/co-sleeping/how some infants who cannot cope with prone position can be identified/etc.
• Various cultures and social groups within the community have differing death rates in infancy. Intellectually rigorous investigations into cultural, environmental and/or child rearing practice might elucidate that observation.

SIDRF will be adopts a two stage selection process for awarding research funding. Stage one requires applicants to submit a short one or two page outline of their intended proposal including hypothesis, methodology, outcome measures, availability of resource material, statistical procedures and estimate of yearly funding.

Submissions of outlines close on 20th of February and August each year. Applications will be reviewed and a short list of applicants prepared. In April and October those short listed will be invited to submit a detailed proposal.

Further inquiries to:

Ms Maxine Weber
Secretary
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Research Foundation Inc
301 Payneham Road
ROYSTON PARK SA 5070
maxineweber@sidsandkids.org