Health and medical research at a crossroads: Sector calls for reform as 48th Parliament takes shape

Australia’s 48th Parliament opens the door to a generational shift in how the nation approaches research and development, beckoning reforms that promise to make it more agile, sustainable, and forward-looking. With over a quarter of national R&D investment allocated to health and medical research, this sector plays a crucial role across many aspects of our society.

“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,” said Nadia Levin, CEO & Managing Director of Research Australia.

To inform the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy, a recent report gauging public sentiment towards health and medical research underscored its profound importance among Australians.

While the qualitative research participants generally acknowledged the sector’s strengths, including its impact on public health and community relevance, they also highlighted areas for improvement. Key expectations included research that directly enhances health outcomes, addresses community health concerns, and maintains high ethical standards without undue delays.

However, trust in the sector’s motivations varied. While researchers, funders, and decision-makers driven by community benefit – such as charities, philanthropic funders, government funding bodies, and researchers and scientists conducting research – received strong public support, respondents were more sceptical of stakeholders perceived to be motivated by commercial profits or political gain – such as pharmaceutical companies or politicians.

The issue of transparency loomed large. Many participants reported that communication from the sector was limited or too complex, technical, or inaccessible for everyday Australians to understand or engage with. Despite this, most believed the general public should have a voice in setting the national research agenda, arguing that community priorities alongside expert advice and health statistics should guide where funding goes.

This push for reform comes at a time when researchers are navigating unprecedented national and global challenges. Political interference has entered the conversation, with the federal government recently urged to reject pressure from the Trump administration attempting to influence Australian research projects.

At the same time, the sector is grappling with chronic underfunding. For every dollar received through grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), an additional 64 cents is needed to meet the true cost of research delivery.

“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 Levin.

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