Authors including UCRH’s former research director, Professor Megan Passey, have penned a journal article updated on progress of the Australian National E-cigarette Monitoring and Evidence Consortium (NEMEC).
In 2021 NEMEC was established to coordinate research and engage stakeholders on e-cigarettes. This initiative aims to identify research gaps, facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage collaboration, build capacity, and support monitoring efforts.
NEMEC’s main goal is to improve health by informing e-cigarette policy and practice both in Australia and internationally. The Consortium brings together researchers, health practitioners, NGOs, and policymakers, all working independently of the tobacco and nicotine industries. It is led by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at The Australian National University.
The Consortium has grown rapidly since its first meeting in December 2021, now boasting over 105 members from more than 40 institutions. They meet regularly to share information, support collaboration, and progress shared goals. NEMEC also acts as a point of contact for expertise on e-cigarettes and supports relevant research and implementation.
NEMEC’s activities include capacity building, shared projects, and educational initiatives, all aimed at supporting e-cigarette monitoring. The Consortium has already made significant strides in establishing its goals, governance, and ways of working, and continues to seek funding to expand its efforts.
This collaborative approach is crucial in addressing the diverse and rapidly changing landscape of e-cigarette products and their regulation. By linking researchers with policymakers and other stakeholders, NEMEC aims to enhance the effectiveness of e-cigarette research and policy initiatives, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
