2023-24
CHAIR AND CEO FOREWORD
Reflecting on 2023-2024 and what we have achieved together, we are confident in our foundations laid ahead of an unrivalled year of innovation, collaboration and advocacy. This year, the policy and financial environment has directly impacted the health and medical research sector across the entire pipeline. Research Australia remains deeply aware of how these decisions have affected personal and professional lives. This has strengthened our commitment to advocating for the sector’s current and future success.
Despite the challenges, the health and medical research sector has continued to deliver remarkable outcomes. Research Australia has been recognised by the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, for leading the call for the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy announced in May 2024. In 2020-2021 we undertook national consultation on the needs of the sector, including a national strategy. We have consistently emphasised the need to facilitate coordinated, sustainable investment in research; strengthen the connection between research and healthcare; and support emerging innovative health industries. Next year we will be continuing to create momentum across this reform agenda through leading, engaging and advocating for a whole of system approach
We are proud of what we have achieved this year together with our members and are pleased to share some of Research Australia’s 2023-2024 key activities across our policy, advocacy and advisory-consulting arms. This year we made 12 policy submissions on topics including national health and climate strategy, broadening research participation and the Senate inquiry into issues related to menopause and perimenopause, with many of our recommendations noted in the final report. We have also met regularly with both Commonwealth and state-based departments and Parliamentarians as part of our advocacy approach.
In recognition of women being under-represented in science careers and healthcare leadership despite their growing engagement in STEM secondary education, we launched the inaugural Future Health Leaders Program this year, sponsored by our member AbbVie. The program is designed to inspire female high school students to enter a career in health and medical research, innovation and life sciences. We look forward to running the program again next year.
This year we partnered with Australian biotechnology company and Research Australia member Vaxxas to convene a policy roundtable. More than 70 health
innovators, and government officials attended to identify policy solutions to support the uptake of Australian health innovations domestically. Health and medical research innovation represents 26% of all Australian research and development activity. Australia is leading the world in many health technologies but bringing them to market more quickly and efficiently is key to facilitating better commercial, economic and social outcomes for Australia and Australians. This event was also an opportunity to showcase some of the healthcare innovations being developed by Australian companies to members of parliament. CoChairs of Parliamentary Friends of Health and Medical Research Dr Mike Freelander MP, Dr David Gillespie MP and Dr Monique Ryan MP, spoke of their support for healthcare innovation. We were privileged to have in attendance the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care and Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, as well as our host for the evening, the Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The ongoing support of Parliamentarians continues to demonstrate the multi-partisan support our sector enjoys.
We are immensely grateful to our members, whose support is integral to the work we do. As the voice of Australian health and medical research, we take pride in championing your extraordinary efforts, not only to government but also to the broader Australian community.
Our commitment is steadfast: to collaborate with you, advocate for you, and celebrate the remarkable talent within Australia’s health and medical research system. Together, we aim to advance our sector, deliver on our strategic goals, and, most importantly, improve health outcomes for all Australians.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our Board colleagues for their guidance, support, and camaraderie. Your dedication strengthens our mission and ensures we remain a powerful advocate for this vital sector.
Martin Bowles AO PSM Chair
Nadia Levin CEO & Managing Director Research Australia
YEAR IN REVIEW JULY 2023–JUNE 2024
Chaired by Professor Russell Gruen, Research Australia’s University Roundtables continue to be vibrant discussion forums, and important sources of input and advice to the Research Australia Board and to Research Australia’s policy positions on behalf of our university members. University Roundtables are held quarterly and provide a forum for Research Australia’s university members to discuss issues relating to health and medical research which are particular to universities. In addition to focussed discussions on health and medical research innovation in universities, each roundtable has a theme, supported by panellists and a dialogue. In 2023-2024 the themes were:
• Engaging Researchers with Government
• Building an RNA ecosystem
• National Workplace Culture and Wellbeing
• Data and Digital Health
Research Australia’s Philanthropy Roundtable is an important community of practice for fundraising and advancement across Research Australia’s membership. In 2024 our roundtable discussion was on barriers to giving and strategies to minimise these challenges. We heard different members’ perspectives and discussed the report from the Productivity Commission Philanthropy Inquiry.
Australia Speaks Opinion Poll
Every year Research Australia partners with Roy Morgan to test Australians’ attitudes to health and medical research through our national Australia Speaks! polling. This years’ polling highlighted strong support for various areas, including mental health research, government investment in local medical product development, and an emphasis on trust in doctors for clinical trial participation. We also noted several ongoing trends, such as the sustained prioritisation of health research funding and noted a decline in individual donations amid rising living costs.
The Research Australia Health Economics Roundtable was established in 2017 to connect health economists from within Research Australia’s membership with the broader research community and government. It exists as a forum for collaboration, discussion and advice on emerging issues. In August 2023, the Health Economics Roundtable met in person and virtually to discuss the role of health economics in health system reform, with a particular exploration of the Medicare system and its current reforms. Members from this group also presented their post-budget insights to our members in May 2024.
The University Roundtable held on 22 November 2023 hosted by the University of Wollongong at its Sydney CBD campus
Member Event Series is a digital engagement forum to bring members rapid updates on key emerging issues in health and medical research policy. In 2023-2024 Research Australia held briefings on writing compelling grants, success strategies for emerging health and medical researchers, and navigating Australia’s medical research landscape.
In June 2024, Research Australia partnered with our member Vaxxas to host a Policy Roundtable focusing on examining barriers to commercialisation of medical research products in Australia, including regulatory and reimbursement practices. The roundtable was followed by a Parliamentary Friends of Health and Medical Research event hosted by the Hon. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the Speaker’s Courtyard at Parliament House. This event showcased some of the healthcare innovations being developed by Australian companies.
The inaugural Future Health Leaders Program commenced this year. Sponsored by AbbVie, the program brought together twelve female Year 11 students for an inspiring opportunity to explore careers in health and medical research. Students gained handson experience in a university setting and engaged with exceptional female leaders across research, healthcare, government, media and industry. Supplementary online mentoring sessions complemented the program, showcasing the diverse career pathways available in life sciences and sparking new possibilities for participants’ futures.
The Hon Milton Dick MP, addressing the crowd in the Speaker’s Courtyard at Parliament House
L to R – Nadia Levin, CEO and Managing Director Research Australia, Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Ms Nathalie McNeil, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie ANZ
YEAR IN REVIEW JULY 2023–JUNE 2024
INSPIRE is our quarterly publication showcasing research and researchers, innovation and technology, advocacy, and philanthropy.
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INSPIRE has had social media impressions.
CLINICIAN RESEARCHERS
Research Activating the Australian Health System
In talking to policy makers and politicians, it became clear to Research Australia that the role of clinician researchers is poorly understood. In May 2024, we released our Clinician Researchers Report , which profiled more than 40 clinician researchers from different disciplines, workplaces and career stages to highlight the variety and importance of their roles, and to raise awareness of the issues facing clinician researchers in the Australian research and healthcare landscapes. The report includes a set of recommendations for the health and medical research sector to support career pathways for clinician researchers.
In 2023 the Research Australia Early and Mid-Career (EMCR) Working Group created a survey to identify the measures offered by workplaces to support the professional and career development of EMCRs. A report of the findings of this survey Measures to Support Early and Mid-Career Researchers was published in 2024. The survey found that, while there are a wide range of policies and initiatives being utilised, there is significant variation in the programs and support offered by different organisations. The NHMRC has participated in this endeavour, most recently through the development of the draft Good Institutional Practice Guide.
The annual Research Australia Health and Medical Research Awards were held in Melbourne on 14 November 2024. This year we marked the 21st year of the awards with finalists from across the pipeline and eight wonderful sponsors demonstrating their support for Australian health and medical research. In addition to celebrating individuals and groups across the spectrum of health and medical research and innovation, it provided an opportunity to impress upon state and federal politicians the value and importance of Australian health and medical research, helping ensure our sector remains front of mind for Australia’s political leaders.
4 Member Working Groups
1. Health Economics Working Group
Health Economics Working Group: Established in 2023, this group brings together key experts in health economics to connect expertise and insights with government to work towards improving funding and impact for the health economics research community and further leverage the role of the Research Australia Health Economics Roundtable in informing health economic policy and reform.
2. Early and Mid-Career Researcher Working Group
Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Working Group: Established in 2022, members of this group are EMCR representatives of Research Australia’s members. The group provides a forum to encourage collaboration and investigate matters of relevance to EMCRs in Australian health and medical research as well as develop potential responses and solutions to identified challenges.
3. Consumer Remuneration Working Group
Consumer Remuneration Working Group: Established in 2023, this group brings together experts in consumer-engaged research to undertake a project exploring approaches to consumer remuneration. The project will develop a sector standard approach to
consumer remuneration and showcase best practice approaches across the sector. This working group is jointly facilitated by ANU and Research Australia.
4. Mental Health Working Group
Mental Health Working Group; Established in 2023 this group of experts seeks to identify, and advise government on, what priorities in mental health research funding should be, based on areas of greatest need and of greatest potential impact.
DIRECT MAIL TO MEMBERS
We regularly communicate with our members to share member updates, to inform members about current and new grant opportunities, to advise on policy changes and to keep our membership updated in news in health and medical research.
In the past 12 months we sent 177 EDMs, which were opened by 70,470 stakeholders across our membership!
The Hon Ged Kearney MP delivering the keynote address
L-R Prof Matthew Kiernan, Prof Jane Butler & Prof David Berlowitz
L-R Dr Jiayan Liao, The Hon Ben Carroll MP, Dr Mustafa Atee & Dr Jin Ng
COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY
Research Australia is in the unique position of being the voice of health and medical research participants right across the health and medical research pipeline. It is because of this unique position we have broad insight into what patients and consumers, funders, researchers and commercial groups can contribute and require from it.
We also have a long history of demonstrated expertise in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Australian health and medical research and we understand the stakeholders who influence the sector’s future.
Our Collaborative Strategy outlines our vision and goals to help shape the Australian of health and medical research landscape for the next three years.
© Perron Institute
OUR KEY AREAS OF FOCUS AND BUDGET OUTCOMES ARE DETAILED BELOW.
STRATEGY OBJECTIVE ACTIONS
Advancing digital health technology and health data
Embedding research in the health system
Harness the power of data and digital health technologies to accelerate advances in health.
• Promote the fundamental importance of health data and the digitisation of healthcare in enabling better health outcomes and advances in health innovation
• Encourage policy, investment and infrastructure
• Facilitating research partnerships for digital health initiatives
Build stronger collaboration and data sharing between researchers, consumers, industry, health practitioners and health systems.
• Promote faster implementation and adoption
• Promote adoption of emerging technologies e.g., AI, in healthcare settings
• Advocate for National Strategy
• Showcase research and healthcare
OUTCOMES
The way data is stored, linked and access for research is significantly improved.
Research Australia has a more active role in publicly promoting the use of health data for research.
Research supporting new opportunities for digital health to enable healthcare equity and healthcare efficiency.
Seek and showcase evidence of how healthcare is increasingly based on the latest and best evidence.
More research partnerships to address priorities identified by the health system, patients and the public.
Health and Medical Research Awards; amended for 2024 nominations to Digital & Data Health Innovation Award.
• Submissions to federal departments on a range of topics such as AI in healthcare and digital research infrastructure.
• Health data webinar held in October 2023 with attendees from across Australia and the pipeline.
Smarter investment in health and medical research and innovation
Balance resources with need, capacity and opportunity.
• Advocate for a nationally coordinated strategic investment with a sharper focus on outcomes, and impact and domestic manufacturing
• Campaign for the investment needed in the workforce at all stages to support sovereign capability, from basic research through to its application
• Champion commercialisation
The health and medical research ecosystem better serves the Australian community and researchers through more effective participation by public, private and not-forprofit funders and industry partners.
• Research Australia has been deeply engaged with advocating for a national strategy for HMR, including meetings with the Minister for Health and Aged Care and the Department of Health and Aged Care.
• Release of the 2023 Roy Morgan Opinion Poll on Australians’ attitudes to health and medical research
• Report released for policy priorities for Clinician Researchers
• Continuing to incorporate how to better embed research in the health system in government submissions
• Held Parliamentary Friends of Health and Medical Research, in partnership with our member Vaxxas, showcasing Australia’s healthcare commercialisation successes.
• Research Australia’s 20232024 Pre-Budget Submission incorporated the need for smarter investment
• Report released on policy priorities for supporting Early- and Mid-Career Researchers
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Research Australia has undertaken significant policy and advocacy throughout 20232024. This includes multiple submissions in the last financial year, critically incorporating the views and input of our members.
Our advocacy also emphasises the importance of health and medical research to the future health, wellbeing and prosperity of Australians. Throughout this year, Research Australia met with both federal and state-based ministers and departments - including the Department of Health and Aged Care; Federal Department of Education; Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Prime Minister and Cabinet; Treasury; Department of Finance; and Department of Defence.
The following table lists the inquires and consultations to which Research Australia responded in 2023-2024.
Attendees of Parliamentary friends of Health and Medical Research in June 2024 tour the Speakers' Office at Parliament House
JULY 2023 Getting better value from the MRFF and the NHMRC’s MREA Submission to the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care
Towards a National Health and Climate Strategy Submission to the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care
AUGUST 2023 Submission to the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport Inquiry into Diabetes
SEPTEMBER 2023 Submission in response to the Interim Report of the Universities Accord
Broadening research participation
Submission to the NHMRC’s review of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
Linking National Science Priorities to strategies and funding Response to the Draft National Science and Research Priorities
NOVEMBER 2023 The future of National Digital Research Infrastructure Submission to the Department of Education
DECEMBER 2023
Research Australia’s Pre-Budget Submission 2024-2025 Submission to the Treasurer
MARCH 2024 Submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee’s Inquiry into Issues related to Perimenopause and Menopause
APRIL 2024 Refresh of the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions Submission to the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care
JUNE 2024 Effective and meaningful consumer involvement in HMR Submission to the NHMRC’s review of the 2016 Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research
A National Immunisation Strategy to 2030 Submission to the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care
Australian National University, students in the lab
RESEARCH AUSTRALIA ADVISORY SERVICES
Consulting Expertise and Bespoke Advice
OUR WORK
Research Australia has provided specialist consulting and advisory services for many years. Our consultancy services continue to consistently grow each year, driven by our unique expertise, reputation for high quality work, and strong relationships to drive outcomes and influence system change.
Market scanning – detailed analysis of who is undertaking what research to inform project planning and ensure projects target the right health and medical research stakeholders.
Policy advice – on the funding streams, government policy landscape and political interests that impact your projects’ success.
OUR CLIENTS SAY
“We know Australia’s health and medical research sector is at its strongest when we work together. That’s why AbbVie was proud to partner with Research Australia and to sponsor the 2024 Future Health Leaders program. Designed to inspire young women considering careers in health and medical research, the program equipped participants with valuable skills and insights to pursue their ambitions in the life sciences. It was inspiring to see these future leaders come together to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from current experts in the field. We’re excited to see how this program evolves through our ongoing partnership with Research Australia, which continues to unite and amplify the entire health and medical research pipeline through innovative projects like this.”
Emma St Clair-Pearce, Government Affairs Lead at AbbVie.
Most recently we have worked with state and federal governments, patient groups, industry, hospitals, and aged care. Some of the consulting services Research Australia provides are:
Sector consultation – facilitating engagement with the health and medical research community and the consumers who can best inform approaches to health and medical research.
Grants guidance – evaluating and reviewing grants opportunities and funding programs.
Students from the Future Health Leaders program touring one of the laboratories at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU
THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS
Research Australia wishes to sincerely thank our members for their ongoing loyalty and support.
We are delighted to be the voice of Australian Health and Medical Research. Your active and engaged contribution and commitment to the Research Australia alliance gives us the strength to fulfil our vision and mission. We are genuinely proud to represent each and every organisation in our membership.
A special thanks to our two current foundation members Telstra Health and Calvary Health Care for their membership support and contributions and in their unfailing participation in the key activities of Research Australia.
We would also like to extend a sincere thanks to KPMG for performing Research Australia’s annual audit for over 10 years.
If your organisation is not a member then now is the time to join Research Australia, the only national peak body to represent all sections of the vibrant and active Australian health and medical research sector.
To talk more about the benefits of membership please contact your Research Australia team on 02 9295 8546 or admin@researchaustralia.org
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RESEARCH AUSTRALIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS*
We would like to give our appreciation to our Chair and Board of Directors who are tireless in their advocacy for health and medical research. They represent the sector across the public and private sector. Thank you all for your contribution.
Martin Bowles AO PSM Chair
Research Australia National Chief Executive Officer, Calvary Healthcare Australia Director since August 2020
Peter Wills AC Director, Wills Advisory Pty Ltd Founder and Director since 2000
Professor Dawn Freshwater Deputy Chair Research Australia Vice-Chancellor, The University of Auckland Director since August 2019
Assoc. Prof Annette Schmiede Chief Executive Officer, of the Digtal Health CRC Director since May 2015
* Board of Directors as at 1st December 2024
Elizabeth Koff AM Managing Director, Telstra Health Director since July 2022
Professor Russell Gruen Australian National University Honorary Professor Director since September 2023
Dr Michael Wilson Vice President, Research CSL Ltd Director since December 2023
Assoc. Prof Greg Kaplan Chief Operating Officer, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research Director since November 2014
Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE Patron
Research Australia is honoured to have internationally renowned scientist, Sir Gustav Nossal as its Patron. He has been a longstanding, significant figure in Australia's medical and scientific community.
Professor Patricia M. Davidson Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, University of New South Wales Director since June 2023
Professor Nicholas Fisk AM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise), UNSW Sydney Director since December 2015
Emeritus Professor Christine Bennett AO Patron
Professor Christine Bennet has a longstanding association with Research Australia, and is a leading commentator and strategist on health reform in Australia and internationally.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Research Australia is financially sound and has met all its financial obligations. Its main source of income continues to be from membership and sponsorship.
STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2023
The statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements
