The Australian Government is currently considering structural arrangements to better coordinate the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and NHMRC’s Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) funding. A national consultation on the governance and administration of these funds has concluded, with the Government now considering its formal response. Following an internal survey, executive committee discussions, and member feedback via email and social media, NARF provided input on the proposed restructuring in July 2023: https://narf.org.au/navigating-the-future-of-biomedical-funding-in-australia-narfs-advocacy-and-the-governments-strategic-review/.
As we await the outcomes of the consultation, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) have announced a new collaborative structure to enhance the coordination of health and medical research funding in Australia. This initiative aims to streamline the interaction between researchers and funders and bolster Australia’s research capabilities. The new framework includes several joint advisory committees focusing on consumer involvement, industry engagement, public health, and Indigenous health research. This strategic move is expected to drive innovation and improve health outcomes nationwide.
Meanwhile, NHMRC and the Department of Health and Aged Care are working to improve alignment and coordination by establishing shared advisory committees. The NHMRC Council and the MRFF’s Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) will collaborate to provide holistic advice on Australia’s health and medical research landscape. Additional advisory committees will support either NHMRC, the Department, or both.
The NHMRC’s Research Committee, established as a Principal Committee under the NHMRC Act, will likely support both NHMRC and the Department, advising on the alignment between the funding policies and processes for the MREA and MRFF.
A call for nominations to the new committees will open shortly. More information is available here: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/new-joint-committee-announcement.
As the government considers the restructuring options, NARF continues to advocate for the biomedical research sector. Through careful analysis and active engagement, the association is well-positioned to shape the future of Australia’s support for vital research.