RASA
The RHD And Strep A Research Alliancethe ALLIANce
Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) are a major cause of premature mortality and suffering globally and in Australia, where all people are at risk but First Nations people carry the highest burden.
While we have many tools available to reduce the burden of these diseases, research remains pivotal to developing new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as to understanding how best to translate evidence into action. The most effective research is highly collaborative – occurring in teams, across institutions and involving multiple different disciplines.
The RHD and Strep A Research Research Alliance (RASA) is designed to help facilitate and accelerate critical research, as well as its translation, among the Australian research community. The aim is to foster collaboration, accelerate innovation, and assist in connecting the research community with the lived experiences and leadership of those most affected.
Our aims
We’re not planning to be a traditional research network or working group. We hope to build RASA on foundations of shared leadership and collaboration, so our objectives are designed to help our network continually grow and uplift the voices that need to be heard most as we work together to fight Strep A infections and RHD.
Foster collaboration and networking
We want to build connections among researchers, communities, practitioners, and other stakeholders involved in RHD and Strep A research.
Incorporate and support the voices of those with lived experience
We aim to prioritise listening to lived experience experts in all stages of RHD and Strep A research and translation processes. This includes providing support to researchers and communities to meaningfully embed these perspectives in research design, implementation, and dissemination.
Support Researcher Development and leadership
We aim to aid the next generation of RHD & Strep A researchers through mentorship, training, and collaboration.
identify research gaps, shared priorities, novel opportunities & multidisciplinary approaches
Our goal is a comprehensive and collaborative approach to guide and support future research that has the greatest potential for impact.
We seek to enhance…
Coordination of research
To address critical gaps in knowledge as well as priorities for families, service providers and policy makers.
Collaboration and networking
Among researchers and other stakeholders, including those with lived experience, across Australia.
Funding opportunities
Through competitive grants and philanthropy.
Research capacity & capability
Particularly among early-career and First Nations researchers.
Want to learn more?
Work with colleagues from across Australia on the frontlines of the battle against Strep A and Rheumatic Heart Disease. Together, we can end this.