Media Release: Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Link to the MRFF Strategy & Priorities.
With almost two in three Australian adults and one in four children overweight or obese, two-thirds of Australians over the age of 50 with poor bone density, and one in six Australians with chronic back pain, tonight’s release of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Strategy sets out the roadmap for addressing some of our biggest health issues.
That is the verdict from the medical research community and Research Australia, the organisation behind the virtual doubling of health (NHMRC) funding in 2000, and again in 2005.
“As the organisation that has been championing health and medical research for the last 15 years, we can tell you the MRFF is a real game changer,” said Research Australia Chair, Dr Christine Bennett.
CEO of Research Australia, Nadia Levin said the MRFF Strategy’s vision of a health system informed by quality research is exactly what’s needed.
“Research Australia shares the Strategy’s vision of a health system fully informed by quality health and medical research,” said Levin.
“By bringing transformative change to health and medical research we can produce better health outcomes, a stronger economy and a more effective and sustainable health system.”
Ms Levin said the publication of the Strategy is another critical milestone in the establishment and operation of the MRFF.
“This is the strategy that will deliver the benefits,” said Levin.
“The Strategy sets a comprehensive plan for the MRFF’s initial establishment. It has the potential to bridge the gap between research and delivering real health outcomes.
“It will help bring life-saving treatments from the laboratory and into hospitals and clinics.
“We join with AAMRI in congratulating the Advisory Board and the Government for their vision and hard work.”
Research Australia welcomed the Strategy’s acknowledgement of the foundational work that must be done to set the future direction for the MRFF.
“These priorities for the first two years’ funding are ambitions but realistic,” said Levin.
“We look forward to the announcement of the first funding to be made in line with these priorities, as a first down payment on the promise the MRFF holds.
“The MRFF is a game changer for health and medical research and it is vitally important the planning and foundational work is done to ensure maximum benefit.”
Link to the MRFF Strategy & Priorities.
Media Contact: Philip McCall 02 9234 3888 or 0438 619 987
Nick Trainor 02 9234 3888 or 0407 078 138
