Nearly everyone will know someone who has been a patient, parent or carer in an emergency department. This is why it is vital that emergency care research aimed at improving patient outcomes is funded at both the state and federal level. EMF has a strong track record of funding research in Queensland that makes a difference for patients, often on one of the worst days of their lives. Hopefully it is a model that can be built on to support emergency care research in every state and territory across Australia."

“What I’m proudest of is seeing studies that EMF was able to support and help researchers conduct and publish, which people all over the world see and which can change practice not just in Queensland but around the world.  I'm really proud of that and I think that's fantastic.”

“I joined the EMF Board as I see it play a pivotal role in advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, and enhancing healthcare systems. It contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities by ensuring that the best practices and evidence-based approaches are used in emergency situations. The passion and culture of research that EMF has cultivated is unmatched and seeing how we can further this reach is a priority for me.”

“EMF is such a unique organisation in the medical research space. By providing funding to develop research capacity and facilitate research translation it is able to make a real difference to emergency medicine practice in Queensland and Australia. It is such a privilege to bring my governance skills, my interest in research and previous experience in the emergency medicine sector to support EMF.”

"I feel connected to EMF’s purpose, and a desire to contribute to the great work that it does. The ability for research to deliver improved patient outcomes, advancements in medical practice, and more effective and efficient delivery of health services is highly motivating for me. While I’m not a medical practitioner, the variety of research topics is fascinating, and seeing the research results makes me proud to be part of EMF."

“Each year at the EMF Grants Award Ceremony, I’m reminded why this organisation is so important. For me, a personal highlight is hearing firsthand how EMF-funded research generates insights that improve emergency care and enhance emergency department performance. EMF’s disciplined approach to research funding and governance ensures ongoing, sustainable impact for patients, clinicians, and the health system.”

"EMF supports projects that improve patient care, that save lives, that enable patients to get back to work faster, that enable patients to be discharged rather than stay in hospital, that allow them to stay in their rural or regional hospitals rather than being transported to tertiary hospitals. It's no doubt that without EMF funding, our Queensland EDs and the patients who present to them, would be worse off."

"As a young girl I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of other people. Now as a mother, nurse and trained researcher I am able to partner with consumers and other clinician-researchers, thanks to these funds provided by EMF, to identify ways to make the emergency journey less stressful for our esteemed older Australians." 

"Research is fundamental to the continuing growth and sustainability of emergency medicine. It drives innovation, ensures safe practice, and embeds evidence-based care in environments characterised by uncertainty and time-critical decision-making. With EMF support, we have built a strong and cohesive team who are prepared to take on the challenges inherent in clinically applied research whilst supporting each other." 

"Much of my research starts with clinical observations, areas where practice varies or where evidence is unclear. EMF funding has been crucial, allowing us to employ research nurses, fractional appointments, and statistical support."

"I developed a love for research in the ED because the more you think you know, the more questions you uncover. That curiosity drives me still. But over time, my focus shifted. Now, what I really value is supporting and growing the next wave of researchers" 

"Reviewing research applications for EMF has been an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a front-row seat to the innovative multidisciplinary clinical research that is directly improving patient outcomes across Australia's emergency departments." 

"EMF was extremely patient with me through my PhD. Their backing helped me understand what research actually involves and got me started on this path; EMF has been a significant part of my career." 

"One of the greatest things about the EMF process is the robust feedback you receive, first on your initial idea, and then on your full protocol. This sets you up for success and ensures your research is relevant and needed."

"Working with EMF has been a privilege, they have been reformist in recognising and supporting patient participation in emergency research for several years. Patients are the end users of all medical research and have a vital role to play by bringing their personal knowledge and lived experience to the process."

"My first EMF grant on this project looking at improving safety of intubation in children, a study now published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Without that EMF funding to start this project, it would have never got off the ground. The EMF funding for this research was really vital to prove that the project was feasible and that it could be undertaken in the clinical environment."

"The EMF Research Capacity Building grant has greatly expanded our research capabilities by ensuring we have dedicated research staff consistently present in the department to support clinician engagement in research."

"Thanks to funding from EMF and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, I had the opportunity to conduct the Rural/Remote Emergency Pain Relief Investigation and Evaluation (REPRIEVE) Project, which explores pre-hospital pain management for trauma patients in regional, rural, and remote Queensland."

"The impact of the EMF grant that I received was firstly the impact on patient care and then the big journey for me. I wouldn’t have been able to do my study on peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) in paediatric patients and had the team that I had without EMF funding.”

“We are so lucky to have excellent research opportunities, and with EMF we have an ED focused research funding body in Queensland. I would encourage all clinicians interested in research to make the most of these opportunities.”

“Without EMF funding we would likely not have any research being done by clinicians. The funding not only allows offline time from busy duties but also allows increased capacity in frontline clinicians and fosters a true interest in research within what can often be an incredibly chaotic environment.”

“EMF’s funding and expertise are vital for driving outcome-focused, translatable research that improves our health system. Without EMF, emergency research in Queensland would be minimal. By supporting emerging researchers, promoting collaboration, and enabling research that can be translated into practice, EMF provides the structure, resources, and vision to make meaningful improvements in patient care possible.”

"EMF supports new and emerging researchers to build careers alongside clinical work, especially in rural areas. Working with multidisciplinary teams and rural clinicians has been invaluable in shaping practical, patient-relevant research. Ultimately, it’s about helping people in rural and remote areas receive the right treatment at the right time."

“Thanks to a series of EMF grants I have led or been a co-investigator on since 2008, I’ve been able to collaborate with colleagues, attract nationally competitive funding, and build sustained, multi-disciplinary research at local, national and international levels. For others starting out, my advice is simple: research takes time, collaboration is essential, and always think big but start small, aligning local ideas with national and international priorities.”

“Research begins with curiosity and a first step. With the right support, small ideas can grow into projects that shape practice. EMF funding has given us the confidence and reach to turn that vision into statewide research programs.”

“Receiving an EMF Emerge grant has been a game-changer for my research journey. It’s enabled me to explore how we can improve communication for children and families in the emergency department waiting room, an often overlooked but critical part of paediatric emergency care.