Organisation

Rapid Research Information Forum

Owning Institution:

Office of the Chief Scientist (Australia)

Acronym:

RRIF

Website:

https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/RRIF

The Rapid Research Information Forum (RRIF) was a forum for rapid information sharing and collaboration within the Australian research and innovation sector. It was convened in 2020 by Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, and its operations were led by the Australian Academy of Science.

RRIF provided a mechanism to rapidly bring together relevant multidisciplinary research expertise to address pressing questions about Australia’s response to COVID-19, as they emerged.

RRIF enabled timely responses to be provided to governments based on the best available evidence. RRIF also informed the Chief Scientist’s interactions and collaboration with other national chief scientific advisers. It demonstrated the critical value of research and innovation in driving societal as well as economic progress now and into the future.

This mechanism has now been replaced by the Rapid Research Information Reports process.

Briefing paper

Monitoring wastewater to detect COVID-19

21 Apr 2020

Rapid Research Information Forum

Office of the Chief Scientist (Australia)

This paper responds to a request for advice on the feasibility of monitoring wastewater for early detection and monitoring of COVID-19 in the population.

Briefing paper

Re-infection with SARS-CoV-2

19 Apr 2020

Rapid Research Information Forum

Office of the Chief Scientist (Australia)

This paper responds to a request for advice on the evidence for whether reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, and whether there is any emerging risk that not all patients develop immunity once they clear the virus.

Briefing paper

Seasonality of COVID-19: impact on the spread and severity

15 Apr 2020

Rapid Research Information Forum

Office of the Chief Scientist (Australia)

This paper responds to a request for advice on the impact of winter on the spread of COVID-19, and has been prepared by the Rapid Research Information Forum. This rapid report synthesises the evidence base on this matter and has been informed by relevant experts and has been peer reviewed.