Current Consultations

Research Australia regularly contributes to the policy discussions on issues pertinent to Health and Medical Research. This can be through submissions or participating in consultations.

The following lists both consultations and invitations to make submissions which are relevant to health and medical research and/or health and innovation policy in Australia. Research Australia updates this regularly but we may not participate in every one listed.

If you would like more information or you are aware of other consultations that should be included, please contact the Policy and Advocacy Team via email
policy@researchaustralia.org.

Please click the heading in the left-hand column to access consultation information from the relevant website.

Consultation	Details
Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy 8 October 2025	Australia is developing a National Strategy to guide the future of health and medical research and innovation, strengthen coordination and impact, and improve health outcomes across the country. Research Australia is committed and passionate about the National Health and Medical Research Strategy. We led the call for the Strategy following member-wide consultations in 2020-2021. Throughout 2025, we have been working closely with Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM and her team to share your challenges and solutions.
Strategic Examination of Research & Development (SERD) – Issues Papers 10 October 2025	The independent panel is consulting on issues papers to inform the strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system. They are exploring how Australia can encourage more home-grown ideas, more research, and more translation. This will lead to benefits and prosperity for all Australians for decades to come.
Possible Association of Horizon Europe 24 October 2025	Australia has started non-binding exploratory talks with the European Union on possible association to Horizon Europe. Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation. Australia currently participates in the program as a Third Country Participant. By comparison, Associate Members have greater access to funding and the ability to lead projects. To date 20 non-EU countries are associated to Horizon Europe. The Australian Government is looking at possible association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.

Consultation

Details

Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy

8 October 2025

Australia is developing a National Strategy to guide the future of health and medical research and innovation, strengthen coordination and impact, and improve health outcomes across the country.

Research Australia is committed and passionate about the National Health and Medical Research Strategy. We led the call for the Strategy following member-wide consultations in 2020-2021. Throughout 2025, we have been working closely with Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM and her team to share your challenges and solutions.

Strategic Examination of Research & Development (SERD) – Issues Papers

10 October 2025

The independent panel is consulting on issues papers to inform the strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system. They are exploring how Australia can encourage more home-grown ideas, more research, and more translation. This will lead to benefits and prosperity for all Australians for decades to come.

Possible Association of Horizon Europe

24 October 2025

Australia has started non-binding exploratory talks with the European Union on possible association to Horizon Europe. Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation.

Australia currently participates in the program as a Third Country Participant. By comparison, Associate Members have greater access to funding and the ability to lead projects. To date 20 non-EU countries are associated to Horizon Europe. The Australian Government is looking at possible association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.