About Us
Purpose
The Population Health Research Network (PHRN) has been
established to build a nationwide data linkage infrastructure
capable of securely and safely managing health information from
around Australia.
Data
linkage - the method by which information about people, places
and events from different data collections is brought together -
has been successfully operating in parts of Australia since the mid
-1990's. With the establishment of the PHRN, data linkage units and
managing nodes now operate across every state and territory in
Australia, allowing population health research to be carried out
more thoroughly and more effectively.
The PHRN is a national network comprising a Program Office located in Perth, Western Australia, a Centre for Data Linkage located at Curtin University in Western Australia, a remote Access Laboratory located at the Sax Institute in New South Wales and a network of Project Participants and Data Linkage Units located in each Australian state/territory.
The work of the PHRN will greatly improve the way linkable
health and health related data is made available to approved
researchers. This innovative and unique collaboration, builds on
the success of well established data linkage units in WA and
NSW/ACT. It will greatly enhance Australia's ability to research,
analyse and monitor health trends and health needs. With the
ability to provide large sample groups, the PHRN will assist a
greater whole-of-population approach to health and health related
research.
The PHRN is developing and testing leading-edge technology to
ensure the safe and secure linking of data collections whilst
working to protect peoples' identity and privacy.
The PHRN is also developing mechanisms for the secure exchange of
linkable data between those who hold the data collections (Data
Custodians) and the researchers who receive approval to analyse the
linked data. The PHRN data linkage units do not conduct their own
health or health related research.
Governance
The PHRN is governed by a Management Council that oversees the implementation of the national data linkage program in accordance with the PHRN NCRIS Investment Plan.
The PHRN Management Council includes nominees from each state/territory data linkage unit or participant, the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing, The University of Western Australia (the Funding Agreement manager) and the PHRN Centre for Data Linkage. In addition there are two researchers demonstrating expertise in the field of data linkage and a health consumer representative.
The PHRN Management Council is chaired by leading South Australian health specialist Professor Brendon Kearney.
Funding
The PHRN has received a $20 million allocation from the Australian Government's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program. The program is administered by the Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR). The funding covers a four year period from 2008-09 to 2011-12 inclusive. In addition, state and territory governments and academic partners are contributing $32 million in cash and in-kind contributions to the PHRN over the period.
The PHRN has received a further $10 million from the Australian Government under its Education Investment Fund Super Science Initiative (EIFSSI). In addition a further $9 million in cash and in-kind support has also been allocated to the PHRN from state and territory governments, research institutes and major universities in conjunction with the EIFSSI funding. The additional funding will enable further enhancement of the infrastructure developed through the NCRIS program in 2011-12 and 2012-13.
PHRN funding beyond 2012-13 will be considered as part of the 2011 Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure process. Income via cost recovery mechanisms for data linkage projects is also a key part of the PHRN's sustainability strategy.
