Position statement: Global scientific cooperation and collaboration
This statement affirms the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences’ commitment to protecting and advancing the international scientific endeavour through open, collaborative, and independent research. It aims to: Affirm the Academy’s commitment to international collaboration, researcher mobility, and academic freedom as essential components of health and medical research and broader scientific progress. Emphasise […]
Policy statement: Establishment of a national human biomonitoring program
PFAS are a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals widely present in the environment – including in drinking water, food, and household products. Known as “forever chemicals” due to their strong carbon-fluoride bonds, PFAS persist in the environment for decades and, through bioaccumulation, build up in human and animal bodies. PFAS are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that […]
Position statement on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting
Genetic testing saves lives. In clinical settings, it identifies the need for crucial treatments, while in medical research, it drives scientific breakthroughs essential for the future of precision medicine and personalised healthcare. However, the lack of a legislated ban preventing the life insurance industry’s use of genetic testing results in underwriting is causing concern for […]
Statement ahead of the 2022 Federal Election
In May 2022, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences released a statement ahead of the 2022 Federal Election. The statement focused on the need for strategic investment in Australia’s health and medical research sector to mitigate major health challenges. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, health and medical research has been in the global spotlight. […]
Academy statement on the health impacts of climate change
Climate change represents one of the greatest threats to human health and wellbeing in the 21st century. In April 2022, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences released a statement on the health impacts of climate change. A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates unequivocally the risks of a warming climate, revealing potentially devastating […]
Academy statement on Australia’s vaccine roll-out
Coinciding with the commencement of Australia’s vaccine roll-out on 21 February 2021, the Academy released a statement that welcomed this important step, and highlighted the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s robust review process for vaccine efficacy and safety. The statement also called for Australia to play a role in timely and affordable access to the vaccine for […]