Category: News

Research Australia Welcomes Albanese Government’s Return and Reaffirms Call for Strong Commitment to Health and Medical Research & Innovation in the next Parliament

Research Australia, the national peak body for health and medical research & innovation, warmly congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on its re-election following the 2025 Federal Election.

The health and medical research and innovation sector is a fundamental pillar of a strong Australia, now and for our future – our sector directly contributes to productivity, better health outcomes, reduces costs across the health care system, and creates new industries, including through commercialisation, clinical trials, precision medicine, and digital health.

With more than a quarter of national R&D investment dedicated to health and medical research & innovation, our sector contributes to every aspect of our society.

However, Australia’s researchers and innovators and indeed, researchers across the globe, are working in a rapidly changing landscape. National and global challenges are becoming more complex. The rise of antimicrobial resistance; the impact of climate change on our health and health systems; our ageing population and the challenges to quality of life; and of course, the current fiscal environment for both Australia and the world – which impacts on the cost of healthcare as well as our capacity as a nation to undertake health and medical research.

Investment in Australia’s health and medical research innovation industry is critical.
As Australia’s leading voice for the health and medical research & innovation sector, Research Australia welcomes the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively with the incoming government to advance a strong, innovative, and sustainable future for health and medical research and innovation.

Research Australia was pleased to see the prominence of broader health policy during the election campaign and stands ready to partner in delivering on commitments made to strengthen Australia’s health and medical research and innovation ecosystem. Research, development and innovation underpins the success of the design, implementation and impact of all these election promises.

In order for our sector to thrive, Research Australia continues to call for key reforms including:
• A whole of systems approach to health and medical research & innovation;
• Smarter investment in health and medical research & innovation;
• A supported and diverse workforce;
• Advancing prevention policy.

“On behalf of Research Australia’s Board, we congratulate Prime Minister Albanese and the Labor Government on their election with an increase to their majority. Research Australia stands ready to work collaboratively to realise a stronger, more innovative health and medical research sector that delivers tangible benefits to all Australians,” said Nadia Levin, CEO & Managing Director of Research Australia.

“The 48th Parliament presents a generational opportunity to reform Australia’s R&D system and health and medical research and innovation sector to ensure it is more responsive, sustainable and future-focused.

“With the National Health and Medical Research Strategy and the Strategic Examination of R&D already underway, there is a lot of work for the incoming Government to progress, and I look forward to continuing to partner with government and champion the work of our members across the pipeline with them,” Ms Levin said.

Research Australia will continue to advocate for the priorities outlined in its 2025 Election Statement and work with both our members and the incoming government to realise the full potential of Australia’s world-leading health and medical research & innovation sector because our health and a healthy economy remain the cornerstone of Australia’s future.

Health and Medical Research, Development & Innovation Critical to Unlocking Australia’s Future R&D Potential

Research Australia, the national peak organisation for health and medical research & innovation, as part of its submission to the Strategic Examination of R&D Discussion Paper, is calling for a strong and coordinated national approach to health and medical research, development and innovation (RDI), urging the Australian Government to align the forthcoming National Health and Medical Research Strategy (National Strategy) and the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD).

As the national alliance representing the entire health and medical research pipeline, Research Australia has long advocated for a strategic framework to support the sector’s growth. With 26% of national R&D investment dedicated to health and medical research, this sector must be recognised as a pillar of Australia’s innovation economy.

“2025 presents a generational opportunity to reform Australia’s R&D system to ensure it is more responsive, sustainable and future-focused,” said Nadia Levin, CEO & Managing Director of Research Australia. “We must not treat the National Strategy and the SERD process as separate. Their alignment is essential to achieving transformative outcomes.”

Research Australia’s submission to the SERD highlights the economic urgency of diversifying Australia’s export base. Despite being among the world’s wealthiest countries, Australia ranks 99th in global economic complexity (a decrease from 91st in 2022) out of 145 countries. Over-reliance on a narrow export portfolio, exposed starkly during the COVID-19 pandemic, places the country’s economic resilience at risk.

Health innovation offers a powerful solution. The sector not only improves health outcomes and reduces costs across the health system, but also creates new revenue streams through commercialisation, clinical trials, precision medicine, and digital health.

“Bold and ambitious reform made over the next 18 months both through the SERD and National Strategy will determine whether we create a robust policy framework that embeds health RDI into Australia’s long-term innovation infrastructure,” Ms Levin said.
“It is incumbent on us all – researchers, innovators, funders and policy makers – to ensure we do not continue with fragmented, short-term and piece-meal approaches to reforming our sector”

A strong, integrated approach will unlock new opportunities for sovereign capability, export growth, and enhanced national productivity, positioning Australia as a regional hub for world-class health innovation.

Read Research Australia’s full submission to the Strategic Examination of R&D, including a summary of key recommendations here.

The submission has been developed drawing on previous Research Australia submissions, the contribution of members and broader input. Research Australia thanks all member organisations who contributed to the development of this submission.

Research Australia’s Federal Election Statement

Research Australia is calling on all candidates ahead of the 3 May 2025 Federal Election to commit to bold and ambitious reforms that will strengthen Australia’s health and medical research & innovation now and into the future.

We know that 2025 has enormous potential to be a year of reform for our sector. With the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy, the Strategic Examination of R&D, and the implementation of the HTA Review, our sector has a unique opportunity to reform and re-imagine the sector in order for us to thrive.

Through ongoing, extensive consultation with you, our members, Research Australia has developed four Priority Reforms to help achieve this:

·    A whole of systems approach to health and medical research

·    Smarter investment in health and medical research

·    An enabled, supported and diverse health and medical research workforce

·    Advancing Primary Prevention Policy

You can read Research Australia’s 2025 Federal Election Statement here.

FEDERAL BUDGET: SMARTER INVESTMENT NEEDED TO REALISE FULL POTENTIAL OF AUSTRALIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Tuesday 25 March 2025

Research Australia, the national peak body for Australian health and medical research and innovation, welcomes a key focus on health services in this year’s Federal Budget.

Research Australia acknowledges that this Budget comes at an extremely difficult time not just for the Government but for all Australians as we continue to face a cost-of-living crisis.

“There is little doubt this Budget is seeking to provide much needed cost of living relief for Australians. However, a missed opportunity is the recognition that sustained investment in health and medical research and innovation, enables the Government to provide a more secure and sustainable future”, Ms Nadia Levin, CEO & Managing Director of Research Australia said.

A strong health and medical research and innovation sector enables greater health outcomes and productivity through better health; drives efficiencies across Australia’s health system; and delivers new revenue opportunities through creating Australian industries and the export of health innovations as well as the best possible healthcare in all of our communities,” Ms Levin said.

This coming year has the potential to offer a real opportunity to address the challenges underpinning our sector through the Australian Government’s development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy, which Research Australia has advocated for since 2021, as well as the Strategic Examination of R&D.

A whole of systems approach to reforming the health and medical research and innovation sector is crucial. It is disappointing that this year’s Budget is not demonstrating the bold and ambitious reform or smarter investment needed for the health and medical research and innovation sector to continue to thrive now and into the future.

Research Australia continues to call for a commitment by all sides of politics to continue the development of both the National Strategy and the Strategic of Examination of R&D in the next Parliament. This commitment must also ensure adequate funding is provided for both the development and implementation of both key reform agendas for our sector.

The 2025-26 Federal Budget had an opportunity to enable the much needed reform for our sector, as detailed in our Pre-Budget Submission. Research Australia will continue to advocate on behalf of the health and medical research and innovation sector using the practical knowledge of our members who represent the whole ecosystem including universities, life sciences and health services.

Some additional funding in this year’s Budget relevant to the health and medical research sector:

      • $33.9 billion in 2025–26 to extend the 2020–2025 Addendum to the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) to 30 June 2026
      • $8.5 billion investment in Medicare to increase bulk billing rates through to 2030.
      • $573 million for women’s health, which includes better access to long-term contraceptives as well as $100 million for to support national trials on access and treatments to uncomplicated urinary tract infections and contraceptives.
      • $10.5 million over two years for more scholarships for nurses and midwives, with an additional 400 scholarships for nurses and midwives to undertake postgraduate study to extend their skills and qualifications.

ENDS

RESEARCH AUSTRALIA WELCOMES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY AND ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING INTO BOTH SERVICES AND RESEARCH

The national peak body for health and medical research innovation, Research Australia, welcomes the release of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 (the Strategy) by the Federal Government and National Suicide Prevention Office, as well as the Government’s announcement of $69 million in funding to support suicide prevention initiatives and research.

The Strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to guide unified, government-wide efforts in suicide prevention.

Research Australia, with input and expertise from across the membership, made a submission during the consultation process in late 2024.

It is pleasing to see that some of Research Australia’s recommendations have been embedded into the final Strategy. In particular, the Strategy and Government’s announcement recognises the importance of research and data-driven approaches as well as the need to further embed lived experience into research and policy, data improvement aiming for better data linkages and evidence translation. The Strategy also includes actions to address social determinants pertaining to suicide and further upskill mental health and social service professionals.

While the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 is a welcome and crucial step in providing a national, evidence-based suicide prevention system, but clearer pathways for long-term research funding and system-level coordination are needed to make a lasting impact.

It is critical the Government commits funding over the forward estimates of the Federal Budget to implementing and fully funding all aspects of the Strategy.

Research Australia thanks all members who contributed to our Submission last year. You can read our Submission in detail here.

Research Australia welcomes Government response to report: Issues related to menopause and perimenopause

Research Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report: Issues related to menopause and perimenopause.

Research Australia is pleased to note that our recommendations have been incorporated into the final recommendations. These include:

  • Research to establish a comprehensive evidence base about the diverse symptoms and impacts of menopause and perimenopause on women in Australia, including understanding the unique experiences for First Nations women, women living with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse women and LGBTQI+ women and gender diverse populations.

  • Improvements to the collection and use of data to assist with research into the experience of menopause and perimenopause, and surveillance of the outcomes of the use of MHT.

Research Australia’s CEO, also a Special Advisor on the Women’s Health Council, Nadia Levin, highlighted the importance of research and data needed to respond to the historical gaps in understanding and investment in menopause and perimenopause, and more broadly women’s health.

“Sustained progress relies on rigorous, high-quality research into contemporary women’s health, and how it impacts on women’s participation in community and the economy. We need commitment for continued investment into health and medical research to inform and implement sustainable evidence-based practices and policies – from the local to the national,” she said.

However, Ms Levin noted that the recommendations cannot be implemented in isolation and need a whole of systems approach. “To ensure the sustainable implementation of the recommendations, not only do they need to be incorporated into the National Women’s Health Plan, they must be incorporated into the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy and other national reforms”, Ms Levin said.

Research Australia also welcomes the Government’s announcement of $573 million investment to improve women’s health services, noting that parts of this announcement will be implemented upon the re-election of the Government. Research Australia acknowledges the Opposition’s commitment to match this funding.

“This bi-partisan commitment signals a critical commitment to evidence-based healthcare and addressing longstanding gender disparities in Australia’s health systems. Addressing gender bias in health research and healthcare requires systems transformation and will lead to better health, social and economic outcomes not only for women, but for all.”

Our original submission was referenced a number of times in the Inquiry’s report, tabled 18 September. A number of our concerns and recommendations were specifically highlighted throughout the report and in the recommendations. These include the need for better understanding of the diversity of symptoms which impact women’s lives differently; the lack of robust data; the diverse experiences of different groups within Australia (such as First Nations women or women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds), and research needed to identify and address the current gap in our understanding of HRT.

Research Australia continues to be committed to advocating for a broader women’s health research roadmap, leveraging existing expertise and the current research landscape.  In 2024 we undertook a national survey across our membership to identify the current strengths, opportunities and systematic changes needed in the health and medical research landscape to enable gender equity in research as well as health outcomes.  On Thursday 20 February, we are hosting a Roundtable bringing together a diverse group of key stakeholders in women’s health, including representatives from research, health systems, industry, and consumer groups.  For further information about the project and Roundtable, please contact Sam.Mills@researchaustralia.org .

RESEARCH AUSTRALIA WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR & TERMS OF REFERENCE OF STRATEGIC EXAMINATION R&D

The national peak body for health and medical research innovation, Research Australia, welcomes today’s government announcement of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (R&D) Chair, Ms Robyn Denholm and the Terms of Reference.

More than a quarter (26%) of all Australian R&D is spent on health and medical research innovation and development (HMRI&D), accounting for $10 billion. HMRI&D accounts for more than one third (35%) of all R&D expenditure in higher education institutions. Over 30% of all HMR expenditure is within the private sector.

Investing strategically in Australia’s HMRI&D – across the entire pipeline – is critical. Investing strategically in Australia’s HMRI&D not only contributes to a healthy nation but also a healthy economy. It will improve our health outcomes now, and will set us up for future generations. It is because of this, Research Australia reiterates the call the Strategic Examination R&D must include a dedicated focus on health and medical research innovation and development.

Research Australia’s CEO, Nadia Levin highlights the crucial timing of the Strategic Review, “the review is being undertaken during the same period as the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy. These two national processes offer a once in a generation reform process to take a whole of government, including across portfolios and jurisdictions, and whole of pipeline approach to health and medical research. Both the Chairs need to work with the sector to ensure we bring our insights to this opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment.”

Ms Levin explains the focus the reforms need to take, “Australia needs to mobilise the disparate parts of the pipeline, activate policy implementation and remove barriers for the sector to thrive, and ignite the urgency of doing this now. The health and medical research innovation pipeline, including the policy and funding landscape, needs to be truly collaborative, transparent and competitive.”

Research Australia, as the national peak representing the entire pipeline – including universities, medical research institutes, health services and systems, industry and community/consumer groups – is looking forward to working closely with both the Strategic Examination and the National Strategy, focusing on the following four key priorities:

1. Australia needs to create momentum through a whole of pipeline and government approach, across portfolios and jurisdictions, by putting research, development and innovation at the heart of all government policy.

2. Australia needs smarter investment to remain globally competitive. We need to fund the full costs of research including infrastructure; we need a measurable pathway to R&D investment of 3% of GDP; and we need to incentivise the growth opportunities for our venture capitalists and develop companies that are attractive to private equity, are an integral part to any economic growth strategy. In addition, the Government should use its significant procurement power to support local health and medical research manufacturers to bring their products to market sooner and importantly, stay in Australia.

3. Australia needs a national health and medical research workforce plan that has a long-term vision with immediate incentives for, strengthening, boosting and building capacity across the current workforce. The focus needs to be on early-mid career development; clinician researchers; circular mobility; and creating the conditions for a research-active workforce.

4.Improving health outcomes requires investment in advancing prevention as well as a focus on how health and medical research innovation and development contributes back to policy platforms like climate change, cost of living, including poverty, global health and geopolitics.

Achieving equitable health outcomes through equity in HMRI&D underpins all four priorities.

Research Australia, on behalf of our members across the whole health and medical research pipeline congratulates and looks forward to working with Ms Robyn Denham and the other panel members.

AUSTRALIA’S HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH INNOVATION CELEBRATED AT RESEARCH AUSTRALIA’S 21st ANNUAL AWARDS GALA DINNER

The nation’s leading health and medical researchers, innovators and advocates have been recognised at Research Australia’s 21st Health and Medical Research Awards Gala Dinner this evening in Melbourne.

Research Australia’s CEO Nadia Levin reflected on the importance of the Awards. “They honour and celebrate Australia’s outstanding researchers and innovators, and those who support their work across the health and medical research innovation pipeline – whether that be in transformative research, or impactful data innovations. The fact all awards are nominated by sector peers significantly recognises how exceptional these nominees are in contributing to national and global health outcomes.

As the national peak body for the entire health and medical research innovation pipeline, Research Australia views the awards as a celebration of what is working well across the pipeline.

Ms Levin in her speech highlighted some of the current complexities and opportunities in the sector. “We recognise that researchers and innovators are working in a rapidly changing landscape. National and global challenges are becoming more complex. It is imperative that our sector, including the policy and funding landscapes, mobilises the disparate parts of our pipeline, activates the implementation of the policy levers and removes barriers for research and innovation to thrive; and ignites the urgency of getting this done now.

“Right now, we have the unique opportunity to reform and reimagine a whole of system that sets up a future Australia.  One that is responsive, affordable, and sustainable, but also one that enables Australia to reach its potential as a health and medical research innovation global leader. The calibre of the nominees, finalists, highly commended and winners demonstrates Australia’s exceptional talent and our broader potential in health innovation.”

The prestigious Peter Wills Medal, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to building Australia’s international reputation in areas of health and medical research and fostering collaboration for better health, was presented by Research Australia Chair, Martin Bowles AO PSM to Clyde Campbell AM. Mr Campbell founded Shake It Up Australia Foundation, in partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, following a  diagnosis Parkinson’s at age 44. The Foundation aims to increase awareness and funding for Parkinson’s research to prevent, slow and stop the progression of the disease and ultimately lead to a cure. Australia is renowned globally for leading researchers and innovators specialising in Parkinson’s.

Research Australia’s premium event partner was the University of Melbourne, and the award sponsors included Australian National University, AbbVie, the Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Digital Health CRC and GSK.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, the Hon Ged Kearney delivered a keynote address at last night’s event. Attendees also heard from Deputy Premier of Victoria, the Hon Ben Carroll MP, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Greens Spokesperson for Industry, Innovation and Science.

A full list of winners follows.

2024 Award Winners

Peter Wills Medal: Created in honour of Research Australia’s founder, Peter Wills AC, the Peter Wills Medal is the flagship award and recognises someone who has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to building Australia’s international reputation in areas of health and medical research and fostering collaboration for better health.

Winner – Mr Clyde Campbell AM (Shake It Up Foundation)

Discovery Award (sponsored by Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions): This Award recognises an early career researcher (anytime from qualification but no more than 5 years past PhD) whose paper/patent/discovery has already demonstrated its importance or impact.

Winner – Dr Mustafa Atee (The Dementia Centre, HammondCare)

Great Australian Philanthropy Award: This Award profiles personal philanthropy that is outstanding in its generosity, effectiveness, vision, high impact and transformative quality. The Award recognises and encourages personal philanthropic donations over a period of time by an individual or family to Australian health and medical research.

Winner – Paul and Sue Taylor

Advocacy Award (sponsored by AbbVie): This Award recognises and congratulates exceptional contributions made by research champions who help raise community awareness and understanding of the importance of health and medical research.

Winner – Dr Jane Tiller (Monash University)

Frontiers Research Award (sponsored by Australian National University): This Award recognises transformative research that could revolutionise health outcomes in Australia and internationally.

Winner – Centre for Microbiome Research (Queensland University of Technology)

Digital and Data Innovation Award (sponsored by Digital Health CRC): This Award recognises an individual or team whose innovation is considered to represent one of the most impactful new data innovations in the health and medical research sector within the past five years.

Winner – The RMIT University-Telstra Health-Digital Health CRC project team

Health Services Research Award: This Award is for an individual or team who has provided leadership and made an outstanding contribution to health services research; driven research that has led to a significant improvement in healthcare; and/or has championed the development of the health services research field.

Winner – Professor Christobel Saunders AO (The University of Melbourne)

GSK Award for Research Excellence: The GSK Award for Research Excellence recognises outstanding achievements in medical research with a focus on improving human health.

This is one of the most prestigious and long-standing awards available to the Australian research community. GSK Australia is proud of its research legacy, having now presented the Award for Research Excellence for more than 40 years, supporting local research and helping to improve health outcomes for patients in Australia and around the world. This year’s award is accompanied by a grant of $100,000 to advance the winner’s research.

Winner – Professor Matthew Kiernan AM (Neuroscience Research Alliance)

NATIONAL PEAK BODY FOR HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF STRATEGY CHAIR

The national peak body for health and medical research innovation, Research Australia, welcomes the appointment of Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM to lead the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy.

Research Australia has led the call for the development of such a strategy emphasising the need to facilitate coordinated, sustainable investment in research; strengthen the connection between research and healthcare; and support emerging innovative health industries.

Developing the National Health and Medical Research Strategy provides an opportunity to bring a whole of pipeline and whole of governments approach to health and medical research. However, Research Australia reiterates the call that the strategy must include innovation and industry. Just as the Strategic Examination of R&D, currently underway, must include health and medical research.

To be truly national, the Strategy must have input from all States and Territory Governments, all portfolios and jurisdictions.

On behalf of our members across the whole of the health and medical research innovation pipeline, Research Australia looks forward to working with Ms Huxtable who has considerable experience in policy, bringing strong insight into the complexities of research and innovation policy and investment.

EMERGENCY FUNDING RESPONSIBILITY SHOULD BE A CRUCIAL ROLE FOR THE CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Research Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement that it will finalise the establishment of the much-anticipated Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

The announcement is in response to the government’s release of the independent inquiry into Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research Australia also encourages the expansion of the recommendations to include direction of emergency funding and a wider remit in supporting the alignment of Australian research and innovation with unmet health needs.

Research Australia CEO, Nadia Levin said “the establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control is an important first step in ensuring Australia is prepared for the next pandemic. In the event of a health emergency, the Australian CDC should have the capacity to direct emergency funding provided by the Australian Government from outside normal funding streams”.

The CDC, with its extensive data gathering and analysis capabilities and its responsibility for assessing and mediating the risks of future health emergencies, will also be ideally placed to coordinate the application of research into prevention and control of disease.

An Australian CDC should play a role in identifying promising interventions (e.g. from clinical trials) with the potential to help address a disease and support the activities needed to help implement and test the intervention in a pilot program and its subsequent scaling up into routine care.

“Research Australia will continue to work with the Australian Government and the Department of Health and Aged Care as the role of the interim CDC is developed and calls on the Government to consider a broader role in supporting Australian researchers across the health and medical research and innovation pipeline”, Ms Levin said.