Medicare is a tax-funded public insurance plan that covers most medical care and provides universal healthcare coverage in Australia. Although most health services in Australia are financed and regulated by the federal government, states and territories are also responsible for public hospital care. Approximately half of Australian citizens supplement their healthcare plan with private insurance, which is subsidized by the government.

There has been a rapid increase of cannabis use in Australia since 2010, particularly among those aged 50 to 59, and roughly two thirds of drug-related arrests are for cannabis. Though prevalence is still low, there has also been a large increase in the use of opioids in Australia, along with an increase in oxycodone prescribing, particularly among older Australians. There has also been a slight increase in cocaine use.

NIDA INVEST Fellowships at ISAP

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) INVEST Drug Abuse Research Fellowship aims to provide drug abuse scientists from across the globe with rigorous postdoctoral research training and professional development activities at a U.S. institution. The program is geared to allow fellows to establish personal relationships with NIDA grantees and NIDA officials who will continue their mentorship activities beyond the 12-month period. Fellows and mentors jointly seek funding and foster grant-writing abilities in order to enable collaborative research projects conducted in the fellow's home country. Previously, fellows have conducted research on drug abuse and addiction in a variety of areas, including epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and preclinical and clinical studies.

For more information on the NIDA INVEST Fellowship, including eligibility, the application process, and a list of past INVEST fellows/mentors, please visit: http://www.drugabuse.gov/international/invest-drug-abuse-research-fellowship