PHILANTHROPY ROUNDTABLE

Research Australia’s first Philanthropy Roundtable for the year focused on the theme of Economic Stability Post Covid and How do we grow sustainability in a post COVID environment?

The Roundtable was attended by over sixty representatives from the health and medical research sector. Guests spanned the entire pipeline across academia, medical research institutes, clinical environments, industry, philanthropy and government. Guests heard from a variety of leaders with an interest or expertise in the economic questions facing the health and medical research sector. The Hon. Dr Andrew Leigh MP - Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, was unable to attend the Roundtable, so he provided a video update on the government’s goal of doubling philanthropic giving by 2030. To compliment this sentiment we had Professor Alex Robson, Deputy Chair from the Productivity Commission, and two of his colleagues discussed the broad terms of reference for the Productivity Commission, as well as the inquiry process, milestones, and timeframes. Greg Mullins, Head of Policy at Research Australia, outlined the submissions that we would be making to the Productivity Commission.

Associate Professor Jane Desborough, from the Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Australian National University (ANU), gave spoke about the current trends in consumer remuneration. She outlined the collaboration between Research Australia and the ANU to look at consumer renumeration in the health and medical research sector.

Michele Levine, CEO from Roy Morgan presented their research exploring “Trust and Distrust” of brands in general, and then more specifically in the health and medical research sector. Finally, Penny Gerstle, Director, Public Interest Advocacy Centre Ltd, Co-Chair, Human Rights Watch Australia, discussed the current fundraising environment, she outlined how to fundraise, and then shared her recent experiences as a fundraiser and philanthropist.

Our members actively participated and discussed the key issues surrounding economic stability, the challenges and opportunities surrounding consumer renumeration, fundraising stories and consumer perception surrounding philanthropy and the charitable sector. Research Australia committed to providing ongoing support through our ongoing advocacy work, our partnership with ANU on consumer renumeration and through our new Member Event Series, that will provide up to date news on current policy and legislative landscape, key health policy changes, the future of open research, as well as hearing from our members and guests plus much, much more!

Research Australia launched a new series of 30-minute key issues briefings drawing from a range of policy experts and research leaders to discuss the issues that matter to Australian health and medical research.

These briefings share up to date news on current policy and legislative landscape, key health policy changes, the future of open research, as well as hearing from our members and guests.

The first in this series was post the Federal Budget and was attended by 60 members. The second in the series focused on the potential MRFF and NHMRC reforms. Both events have been well attended and the format has been well received. Research Australia provides these interesting and unique briefings as another member only exclusive benefit.