NHMRC is interested in your track record because:

1. NHMRC is interested in your track record because: • Past success is assumed to be a good predictor of future success • If your team has all the skills and experience needed to undertake the project it is more likely to be successful and the risk is less

2. The track record of the team • Cover all major areas of grant – what are the skill sets needed to make this grant a success • Pay special attention to ensuring adequate methodological skills – biostatistics, epidemiology, economics, qualitative research etc • Content knowledge/ capacity to work in the environment of the grant is important (eg indigenous research, primary care) • Demonstrate the track record in the background and research plan as well as the research achievements • Not all members of the team need a strong track record defined by funding and publication history

3. Your track record Your publications • Number • Evidence of the significance of the publication (eg quality of the journal, citations, impact on policy or practice) • Your role in the publication • Relevance to the proposed project Your grant funding • Previous grant funding especially from NHMRC or ARC • Your role in the grant funding • Outcomes from the grant funding

4. Your track record Your standing Evidence that you are regarded as a national or international leader (eginvitations to speak at international or significant national meetings, editorial appointments, specialist and high level health policy committee appointments); Other research-related achievements, Including influence on clinical/health policy or practice, provision of influential advice to health authorities and government, other impacts on health through community or industry

5. Score 6 For example, relative to opportunity, the applicant(s): • Have a record of achievement that places them in the top 10-20% of peers/cohort • Are well recognized for their contribution to their field of research • Have a growing international reputation • Have established a position of leadership, or are emerging leaders, in their field • Hold leadership positions in well regarded scientific or professional societies

6. Score 5 For example, relative to opportunity, the applicant(s): • Have a record of achievement, that places them well above average for their peers/cohort • Are well recognized for their contribution to their field of research • Have a growing national reputation and their research appears frequently at national meetings

7. Score 4 For example, relative to opportunity, the applicant(s): • Have a solid record of achievement • Have made contributions to their field of research • One or more of the CIs has an existing or emerging national reputation, albeit in a niche area.

8. Your track record: Painting the best picture • Track record is assessed relative to opportunity • Mention all relevant achievements (Nobel Prize) • Don’t pad (seminar at your University..…) • Use the whole grant to reflect your experience and expertise not just the research achievement sections (verbs are important here – lead vs helped with) • Can be helpful to have someone who knows you look at how your research achievements are being reflected