Organisation

The Research Council (RC) was established by the FHB to assume responsibility for all aspects of the administration and allocation of funds supported by the HHSRF and the RFCID. The RC is supported by a secretariat and two working committees, namely the Grant Review Board (GRB) and the Referee Panel.

Organisation Chart

Summary of Responsibilities - Research Council:

• Determine research agenda
  
• Approve procedures, control mechanisms, terms and conditions of the funds
  
• Make recommendations to the FHB on the allocation of funding
  
• Disseminate research findings

Summary of Responsibilities - Grant Review Board:

• Act as scientific advisor to the RC
  
• Set guidelines for the fund application vetting process, monitor the progress of funded projects
  
• Determine the assessment criteria for grant applications and research reports
  
• Review and assess grant applications and research reports after considering the referees' comments
  
• Monitor funded projects

Summary of Responsibilities - Referee Panel:

• Provide critical appraisal of grant applications and research reports based on the assessment criteria

Summary of Responsibilities - Research Fund Secretariat:

• Provide secretariat support to the Research Council and the Grant Review Board

Function

The RC functions as a broadly based policy group whereas the Grant Review Board (GRB) interprets policy, sets guidelines and procedures for grant application and establishes an independent system for the two-tiered peer review of applications. The referee panel provides critical appraisal of grant applications and reports.

In addition, the RC reviews health care trends and health needs in Hong Kong on a continuing basis to support its decision making and the formulation and revision of research policy and priorities.

Composition

The RC comprises prominent members of the health care system and academic institutions. The GRB has brought together experts with technical skills and experience in a wide spectrum of health sciences to support the work of assessing grant applications and reports. Individual members of the Referee Panel are recruited to review grant applications and assess the outcomes of funded projects according to their specific area of expertise. Referees are drawn from both local and overseas institutions and services. Overseas referees are paid a standard fee for their reports.