The Institute was pleased to contribute to Deakin University’s Faculty of Health’s collective response to the Australian Government’s consultation on the Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy (the National Strategy).
What was the submission about?
The National Health and Medical Research Strategy was a ten-year proposal (2026–2036) designed to transform and guide Australia’s health and medical research system.
Our submission supports the proposed Strategy while recommending stronger action to ensure health and medical research benefits all Australians, particularly those living in regional, rural and remote communities, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse populations and other underserved groups.
Key points included
- Embedding equity across the Strategy by recognising the needs of regional, rural, remote and culturally diverse communities throughout funding, policy and research priorities.
- Strengthening regional research capacity through dedicated workforce pathways, stronger university-health service partnerships and investment in regional research infrastructure.
- Supporting meaningful consumer and community involvement to ensure research is relevant, trusted and delivers real-world benefits.
- Improving research translation and implementation, including stronger pathways for research evidence to inform policy, practice and health system reform.
- Investing in sustainable funding, workforce development and digital infrastructure to support long-term research impact and innovation across Australia.
In summary
Deakin University’s Faculty of Health supports the development of a new National Health and Medical Research Strategy and believes it presents an important opportunity to strengthen Australia’s research system. The submission calls for greater emphasis on health equity, stronger regional research capacity, sustainable investment, and meaningful partnerships between universities, health services, governments and communities. Together, these measures can help ensure research delivers lasting benefits and improves health outcomes for all Australians.
Outcomes
On 22 May 2026, the Minister announced the release of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026–2036. The strategy sets out a 10-year vision for strengthening Australia’s health and medical research system. It will help shape the future of health and medical research in Australia.
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