Research Australia’s response to the August 2026 consultation on the MRFF Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities broadly supported the proposed direction while calling for stronger national coordination, equity, translation and long-term capability building.
Research Australia emphasised that research excellence must translate into measurable health, social and economic impact, supported by sustainable workforce capability, interoperable health data, research infrastructure and implementation pathways. The response called for stronger support across the full innovation pipeline, from discovery through clinical development, commercialisation, manufacturing and adoption, to strengthen sovereign capability and productivity.
Our response also advocated health equity by design, including greater focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, regional, rural and very remote communities, children and other underrepresented populations. Additionally, Research Australia called for responsible implementation of AI and digital health, sustainable research careers, community partnership, prevention and early intervention, and explicit recognition of Australia’s international health obligations across MRFF investment.
You can read our full submission here.