Gains in neurotrauma research activity and output associated with a Victorian state government funding program.

Recognising that brain and spinal cord injuries result in significant health and economic burdens for the affected individual and the community, the Victorian government committed $63 million towards neurotrauma research beginning in 2005. A survey of Victorian neurotrauma research units conducted in 2008 showed substantial increases in workforce capacity, collaborative activity and research output during the first 3 years of the funding program. Changes in economic and commercial activity, and research translation activity were also observed. The activity and output of the Victorian brain and spinal cord injury research sector increased substantially during a period coinciding with increased funding.