Reputable health experts will join the Research Council tasked to determine the research agenda and funding control mechanism of the Control of Infectious Diseases, and Health & Health Services Research Funds.

The experts include Professor Joseph Lee, Professor Rosie Young, Professor Lam Tai-hing, Professor Jean Woo and Dr Loretta Yam. The Secretary and Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food chair the council.

The terms of reference are:

* Determine research agenda and funding control mechanism of the two research funds;

* Approve procedures for inviting, and criteria for vetting research applications;

* Approve standard terms and conditions for grant-holders;

* Approve funding allocation after peer-review process;

* Approve processes for the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of approved research projects;

* Establish a Grant Review Board to carry out the council's technical work; and,

* Disseminate key findings of funded projects.

The Legislative Council has approved $450 million to finance local research projects. The provision aims to encourage, facilitate and support research on the prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases, in particular emerging diseases such as SARS.

Research projects cover the etiology, surveillance, epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases, public health, basic, clinical and health services research.

Details on the application of the funds will be announced on September 29.