The voice of Australia’s health and medical research sector
Research Australia is the national peak for health and medical research and innovation. For more than 25 years, we have been Australia’s only whole-of-system convenor for the sector. Our sector is worth over $250 billion in both private and public investment.
Our 120+ member organisations span researchers, scientists, industry leaders, engineers, clinicians, funders, innovators, and advocates.
Research Australia amplifies the impact of health and medical research for all, for stakeholders right across the ecosystem, to influence investment, set policy agendas, and create lasting health impact for all Australians.
Our key advocacy platforms represent core priorities for our sector:
- Smarter investment and value realisation
- Health Innovation, including data
- Skilled and enabled workforce
- Health Equity
We draw on the expertise across our membership to advocate on key matters for our sector including:
- Health and medical research
- Medical innovation including biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and clinical trials
- Public funding for HMR including the Medical Research Future Fund, the NHMRC and the Biomedical Translation Fund
- Philanthropy
Our International Alliance
Research Australia, Research!America, Research Canada, Research Sweden and New Zealanders for Health and Medical Research all have a vision that health and medical research is a shared benefit and responsibility. It is also an important investment for the future of health within each country. The alliance with our international sister organisations fosters greater collaboration with each other to leverage expertise, advancements, and approaches in health and medical research advocacy.
Our History
Research Australia was established in December 2000. It was formed as a result of recommendations in the Australian Government’s Strategic Review into Health and Medical Research headed by Peter Wills AC.
A major outcome of the Wills Review was the doubling of the National Health and Medical Research Council budget for the five years from 1999-2004. However today, Australia still ranks below the OECD average for expenditure on health and medical research. It has never been more critical than right now to strengthen the research sector to secure Australia’s economic position in the global marketplace.
The establishment of Research Australia was made possible through the foresight and support of our original Foundation Members who invested in our impact, including the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. This group provided significant funding over three years, enabling Research Australia to build a solid operational platform, secure members and to develop a diverse range of programs. We are grateful for their support.
Foundation Donors
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
The Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation
The Ian Potter Foundation
The Perpetual Foundation