Building research capacity
Building research capacity supports a sustainable research culture that develops better health services and a skilled, research-ready workforce.
What is research capacity building?
Research capacity building in health services refers to the development of skills, knowledge, infrastructure, and culture that enable clinical teams to undertake and use research as part of routine care. In practice, this means supporting clinicians to ask relevant questions, generate and apply evidence, and improve patient outcomes and service delivery. It involves providing training, mentorship, protected time, and organisational support so that research becomes a normal and valued part of everyday clinical work.
Why build research capacity?
Building research capacity in health services creates long-term value beyond individual project outcomes. Capacity-building initiatives create a strong research culture where teams are confident using research to improve services and patient care. This supports innovation, attracts funding, strengthens patient outcomes, and improves staff retention.
What is needed to build research capacity as a leader?
Building and sustaining research capacity requires deliberate leadership investment. Leaders can align research with service priorities and ensure the right enablers are in place, such as infrastructure, backfill funding, mentoring, protected time, and visible support.
Allied Health Research Careers FrameworkA framework and self-assessment tool to support development of research and clinical career pathways. | Allied Health Research Careers Framework |
Handy guides
Access practical tools and strategies to help lead and support research-informed practice:
| Developing and maintaining research mentorship The benefits of a research mentor, and how to find one | Research conversation guide A practical guide for conversations with staff interested in research | Leader enablement checklist A checklist for leaders to support staff research engagement |