In April 2023, AAHMS made a submission to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources consultation on Australia’s science and research priorities.

This submission framework was provided in addition to our contributions through participation in the roundtables hosted by Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE.

We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Government’s review of Australia’s science policy framework. To retain and improve our competitive edge on the world stage, Australia needs a comprehensive research and innovation strategy, including a long-term stable funding commitment.

Our science policy framework must provide the strongest possible foundations for this vision. The Strategy should highlight the need to better embed research and innovation in the health system, to help maximise the quality of healthcare.

The National Science and Research Priorities must set the scene for Australia to build on our strengths and should provide a blueprint for how we can use them to tackle current and future challenges. The Priorities provide a valuable opportunity to harness multidisciplinary expertise to address complex challenges – health inequities is an important example in health.

The National Science Statement should include consumer and community involvement and the need to better build and nurture integrated teams and cross-sector collaboration.  Implementation of the Priorities and Strategy should be monitored and evaluated to ensure these have the desired impacts.

The full AAHMS statement is available for download below.