For Researchers
NAAC provides a collaborative platform to facilitate communication, discussion, knowledge and skill building relevant to ME/CFS research. It was established because of an apparent void in meaningful involvement of consumers in ME/CFS research and concerns about ME/CFS research quality. These concerns about research generally have been raised in the NHMRC’s Research Quality Strategy 1 and the same guiding principles contained within the strategy are applicable to ME/CFS research.
NAAC platform is used by consumers with lived experience of ME/CFS, their carers, researchers and others wanting to realise the benefits of consumer and community involvement in ME/CFS research and accelerate outcomes of value to consumers and the public.
Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recognises that “involving consumers and community members can add value to health and medical research and they have a right and a responsibility to do so.” 1
The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee recommendations to the NHMRC Chief Executive Officer are based on “principles of consumer engagement, consistency, collaboration and capacity building” 1.
Additionally, recognising the need:
to promote community trust through maintenance of a strong integrity framework;
to build research capability through investment in high quality research and;
to facilitate research translation to clinical practice
More information can be found on the NHMRC publications tab on the homepage top menu.
If you are a researcher wanting to find out more about being involved in NAAC please get in touch through the Get Involved button at the bottom of the home page
This page will continue to be developed as NAAC evolves.
1NHMRC’s Research Quality Strategy, Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council (2019) https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/nhmrcs-research-quality-strategy
2Statement on Consumer and Community involvement in Health and Medical Research, National Health and Medical Research Council (2016), Consumers Health Forum of Australia. p.2.
3https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/mecfs-advisory-committee-report-nhmrc-chief-executive-officer