The Academy is committed to working with government, research, health and industry stakeholders to build the infrastructure needed to enable us to collectively address evolving challenges such as chronic disease, health system sustainability and national productivity.
Realising the transformative health and productivity potential of Australian research and innovation demands coherent long-term planning, evidence-based approaches, strategic investment, and collaboration between government, research and academia, health, industry and consumers.
The Academy’s work to support research and innovation includes contributing to the Australian Government’s development of the National Strategy for Health and Medical Research, advising on the how to reform our research and development system, and producing actionable, evidence-based election statements and budget submissions.
Every major advance in modern medicine rests on acts of public trust, which in many cases, is the decision to donate human tissue for research. The Academy has submitted two responses to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Review of Human Tissue Laws and the associated discussion paper, focusing on the use of human tissue for research purposes.
The Commonwealth Government’s development of Australia’s first overarching national strategy for health and medical research is a landmark opportunity to secure a coherent, coordinated and sustainable research sector able to transform health outcomes for all Australian communities. The Academy provides government with evidence and implementation advice around key opportunities that could be realised through the National Strategy – including: embedding research in the health system, advancing biomedical discovery science, strengthening horizon scanning, building and supporting the workforce, and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Australia’s prosperity, resilience and competitiveness are built on the strength of its research and development (R&D) system. Health and medical research (HMR) is a cornerstone of that strength, delivering breakthrough innovations, supporting our health system and contributing significantly to the economy. However, despite its successes, Australia’s R&D system is under increasing pressure. The Academy is dedicated to working with government, research, health and industry partners to secure a more cohesive, integrated and future-fit R&D system that is able to respond to emerging health challenges.
The objective, authoritative and cross-sector voice of Australian health and medical science, the Academy provides government with regular evidence-based analysis and recommendations – including through election statements and budget submissions.
We welcome the Government’s plans to ensure that Australia’s higher education sector is fit for purpose into the future. Our submission addresses points raised in the consultation discussion paper most relevant to our expertise in the health and medical sciences, and was developed based on contributions from our Fellows and Associate Members.