The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences has welcomed the announcement of a national consultation to improve alignment and coordination between the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA).
AAHMS CEO Catherine Luckin said the Academy had been calling for greater strategic harmonisation between funders, particularly the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund.
The issue was highlighted in the Academy’s 2022 report, Research and innovation as core functions in transforming the health system: A vision for the future of health in Australia.
The report was informed by a thorough evidence-collection process, including consultation with more than 260 individuals across the health and medical community.
“Our report identified five priority actions, including a call to maximise the value of current investments in research and innovation,” Ms Luckin said.
“The MRFF is crucial for a research-rich health system, but to deliver this important goal there needs to be better harmonisation and coordination of funding with NHMRC.
“Better coordination could have a considerable impact on efforts to maximise the value of existing funding streams and improve health outcomes, with more clearly defined roles for the NHMRC and the MRFF.”
Our 2022 report highlighted how Australia can optimise the harmonisation and coordination of funding streams to maintain our competitiveness.
“The governing mechanisms of the MRFF and the NHMRC should be more closely aligned to unleash the full potential of investments in health and medical research and innovation.
“Better coordination will underpin a strong research response to established and new threats to the nation’s health.”
The Academy, as an authoritative and independent voice for the sector, has already been engaging with government and relevant decision-makers on this topic. We look forward to contributing to this consultation process and representing the views of our expert and diverse Fellowship.
Media: AAHMS Communications Manager Katie Rowney, [email protected], 0419 787 551.