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 the NHMRC and MRFF.
“Australian health and medical researchers produce world-leading research, but to retain our competitiveness, we need more strategic harmonisation between funders,” Professor Baur said.
“Better coordination allows for researchers to respond more rapidly when new threats to our nation’s health emerge – something which was demonstrated during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
AAHMS specifically called for better alignment of the NHMRC and MRFF in its 2022 report, Research and innovation as core functions in transforming the health system: A vision for the future of health in Australia.
The report, developed using the distinguished collective expertise of the Academy’s Fellowship, included evidence collection involving more than 260 individuals across health, medicine, industry and consumers.
The report also included recommendations to better involve consumers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in research.
“We are pleased to see the inclusion of NHMRC-MRFF joint advisory committees specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as consumers,” Professor Baur said.
“We know that in healthcare, as well as other areas, First Nations peoples have better outcomes when they are able to participate actively in decision making.
“As the independent and expert voice for health and medical research, we look forward to continuing to engage with government and other decision-makers on improving research and innovation in health.”
More information:
- 2023 – AAHMS release: Academy welcomes NHMRC consultation
- 2022 – AAHMS report: Research and innovation as core functions in transforming the health system: A vision for the future of health in Australia
- 2021 – AAHMS submission: Response to the Medical Research Future Fund Strategy and Priorities consultation
Media: AAHMS Head of Media and Communication Katie Rowney, [email protected] or P: 07 3102 7212 M: +61 (0) 419 787 551