Academy welcomes Government investment in Australia’s Centre for Disease Control
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences welcomes the Federal Government’s investment of $251.7m to deliver Australia’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Effective administration of this funding, along with the timely passing of associated legislation, will be key to developing a CDC able to develop cost effective and sustainable disease surveillance systems, and link […]
Accelerating breakthroughs in blood cancer innovation: Research Roadmap launched
Blood cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in Australia and the third-largest cause of cancer deaths. There are over 120 different types of blood cancer with little currently known about how or why many blood cancers develop. Today sees the launch of the Blood Cancer Research Roadmap – a blueprint for […]
First Nations health leader wins inaugural Academy award
A national health leader with a passion for improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly adolescents, is the inaugural winner of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Outstanding First Nations Researcher Medal. Professor James Ward FAHMS, a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, was awarded the medal in a ceremony in Adelaide […]
Medical pioneers and First Nations leaders among Academy’s 31 new Fellows
Indigenous health leaders, an immunisation expert, a drug discoverer and a pioneering genomicist are among the 31 new Fellows elected to join the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences this year. The Academy welcomed the new Fellows in a ceremony at its Annual Meeting in Adelaide this morning (24 October). Academy President Professor Louise […]
Jian Zhou Medallists get to the heart of it
Transformative research to treat the human heart has been honoured with the 2024 Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Jian Zhou Medal. Awarded this year to interventional cardiologist Professor James Chong and cardiac bioengineer Professor James Hudson, the award recognises scientists making an impact in translational medical research. The medal is named in honour […]
The future of preventive health: expert report
How can Australians live healthier and happier for longer? The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) has released a report on actions that can help. Almost 40% of Australia’s burden of disease is preventable, and estimates show that every dollar invested in preventive health saves over $14 in health care and related costs.i […]
Academy welcomes Government ban on use of genetic testing results by insurers
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, which recently called for a total ban on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting, welcomes the Government’s announcement that it will outlaw the practice. The Academy established its official position after Fellows observed patients refusing critical genetic tests and potential participants withdrawing from […]
Breast cancer biologist wins Outstanding Female Researcher Medal
A molecular and cellular biologist whose work to understand the root of breast cancer at a cellular level has been awarded the 2024 Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Outstanding Female Researcher Medal. Professor Jane Visvader FRS FAA FAHMS, Joint Head of ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division at WEHI, has been recognised […]
Academy urges Government to ban the use of genetic testing by life insurance industry
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) has called on the Federal Government to ban the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting amid concerns of discrimination. Academy President Professor Louise Baur said the Academy had released a position statement confirming its stance after Fellows witnessed patients declining vital genetic tests […]
Academy welcomes eight new mentees
Eight rising stars will join the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) as Associate Members, after being selected from a competitive national pool of applicants. Associate Members join the Academy for three years as part of its mentorship program, where they are paired with experienced Fellows as mentors. AAHMS Mentorship Program Chair and […]
AAHMS welcomes National Science and Research Priorities and National Science Statement
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the Australian Government’s release of the new National Science and Research Priorities and the National Science Statement. As a leading body representing the health and medical sciences community, AAHMS is particularly encouraged by the government’s recognition of the critical role that research and innovation play […]
AAHMS welcomes formation of Climate and Health Expert Advisory Group
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the Australian Government’s establishment of the Climate & Health Expert Advisory Group (CHEAG). This initiative is a significant step towards safeguarding public health from the adverse effects of climate change. AAHMS Fellow, Professor Jennifer Martin FAHMS, will be a key member of this expert group. […]
AAHMS welcomes Federal Government RNA blueprint
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the Australian Government’s significant investment and strategic commitment to advancing the nation’s ribonucleic acid (RNA) sector. The investment aligns with the Academy’s vision of leveraging cutting-edge RNA technologies to enhance human health and drive economic growth, outlined in our response to the Department of Industry, […]
Change needed to help children thrive
International experts have called for “transformational change” to improve young children’s health and wellbeing, which lays the foundation of population wellbeing in all countries – including Australia. Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Fellow and paediatrician Professor Melissa Wake is a part of an international working group that has developed five recommendations to improve […]
Better alignment of health funders welcomed
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences welcomes news that the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) will work under a new structure, designed to improve collaboration between the two key government funders. Academy President Professor Louise Baur said the Academy had long called for better alignment of […]
Honours for Academy Fellows
Several Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Fellows have been recognised for their outstanding achievements with King’s Birthday Honours. Fellow Professor Karen Canfell AC was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia for “eminent service to medicine as an epidemiologist, particularly through cancer research, to tertiary education, and as a mentor and […]
Four Fellows elected to science academy
Four AAHMS Fellows have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to health and medical research with election to the Australian Academy of Science. Professors Rachelle Buchbinder, Louisa Degenhardt, Matthew Kiernan and Georgina Long were announced as new Academy of Science Fellows on 23 May, and will be formally admitted to the academy in a ceremony […]
Academy welcomes Federal Budget investment in research and innovation
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences welcomes the Federal Government’s continued investment in health and medical research through the 2024-25 Budget, which was handed down yesterday evening. The Academy welcomes the slight increase in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for 2024-25, alongside the ongoing $650 million ongoing Medical Research Future […]
AAHMS highlight: harnessing research for better health
This year marks 10 years since the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences was formed. Celebrate with us as we reflect on a decade of advancing research and innovation to improve everyone’s health. This article is the third in a series that highlights 10 of the Academy’s major achievements since it was formed in […]
AAHMS welcomes health research investment package
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the Federal Government’s $1.89 billion investment in health and medical research through its Health Research for a Future Made in Australia package. AAHMS President Professor Louise Baur said the Academy had long called for Australia to maximise the benefits of its investments in life-saving health […]