The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the appointment of Robyn Denholm, Chair of Tesla, to lead the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) panel.
The panel will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Australia’s R&D ecosystem, ensuring it remains globally competitive and nationally impactful.
AAHMS is particularly pleased to recognise the appointment of Professor Fiona Wood AO FAHMS, an esteemed Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, to the SERD panel.
Professor Wood is a globally renowned innovator in burns treatment and the pioneer of spray-on skin technology, a transformative medical innovation that has improved recovery outcomes for countless patients worldwide. Her appointment underscores the vital role of health and medical research expertise in shaping Australia’s R&D future.
Health and medical research (HMR) is a cornerstone of Australia’s R&D landscape, driving innovations that save lives, strengthen health systems, and deliver significant economic benefits. With every $1 invested in HMR yielding an estimated $3.90 return, the value of health research extends far beyond the lab, fostering national resilience and advancing Australia’s global competitiveness.
Australia’s investment in HMR reached $6.66 billion in 2019–20, with government funding accounting for $3.92 billion of this figure. The outcomes of these investments are profound, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in areas such as vaccine development, cancer therapies, and precision medicine.
HMR does more than improve health outcomes—it generates high-value, knowledge-based jobs and contributes to economic growth. For example, an economic evaluation of investigator-initiated clinical trials found a cost saving of $5.80 for every $1 invested, highlighting the significant economic return when research findings are effectively implemented into practice.
As the SERD panel embarks on this important examination, AAHMS emphasises the critical need to prioritise HMR within the national R&D agenda. Strategic investments and alignment will ensure that Australia’s research ecosystem continues to address pressing health challenges, innovate for the future, and deliver tangible benefits to communities.
As Australia’s Learned Academy for health and medical sciences, AAHMS brings together the nation’s leading experts to provide evidence-based advice on the role of HMR in transforming lives and strengthening national systems. We stand ready to contribute our expertise to the SERD process and collaborate with the panel to shape a bold and visionary roadmap for Australian R&D.
Quote from Professor Louise Baur AM PresAHMS
“The Strategic Examination of Research and Development comes at a pivotal moment for Australia. With Robyn Denholm’s leadership and the expertise of outstanding panel members such as Professor Fiona Wood, this review offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of health and medical research in delivering economic growth, national resilience, and better health outcomes for future generations.”
Media: AAHMS Head of Media and Communication Katie Rowney, [email protected] or P: 07 3102 7212 M: +61 (0) 419 787 551