The Strategy sets a national framework to enhance Australia’s health and medical research capability while accelerating the translation of evidence and innovation into better care for patients and communities.
MACH and AHRA particularly welcome the Strategy’s recognition of the critical role of Research Translation Centres (RTCs) in strengthening Australia’s health and medical research ecosystem.
The Strategy identifies RTCs as a vital interface between national priorities and local health systems and commits to evaluating, supporting and expanding the model, including increased investment across jurisdictions.
“AHRA strongly welcomes the Strategy’s recognition of the role Research Translation Centres play in connecting research with healthcare delivery,” said AHRA Chair, Professor Carol Hodgson.
“RTCs bridge national priorities and local health needs, helping turn research into better care and improved outcomes for patients.”
MACH and AHRA also welcome the Strategy’s strong focus on collaboration across governments, health services, universities, medical research institutes, industry, clinicians, consumers and communities to accelerate the implementation of evidence into practice.
“The launch of Australia’s first National Health and Medical Research Strategy is a significant milestone for the sector,” Professor Hodgson said.
“This Strategy recognises that research has the greatest impact when it is translated into real-world care – ensuring discoveries reach patients faster and more equitably.”
MACH and AHRA support the Strategy’s strong emphasis on:
- Meaningful consumer and community involvement in research, recognising the importance of lived experience in shaping priorities, design and impact,
- Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research by supporting Indigenous leadership, culturally safe methodologies and community-led priorities, and its
- Commitment to improving equity in research participation and outcomes, particularly for regional, rural and remote communities, ensuring that research delivers tangible benefits for all Australians.
“Research is strongest when consumers and communities are genuine partners – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples leading and shaping research priorities – and where someone lives should not determine whether they benefit from innovation,” Professor Hodgson said.
“The Strategy aligns closely with AHRA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that bring research closer to communities and support better local care.”
MACH and AHRA also welcome the Strategy’s focus on strengthening Australia’s clinical trials environment and improving the use and sharing of health data to support research, innovation and patient care.
Through its national network, of which MACH is a member of, AHRA is helping to build coordinated approaches to clinical trials, data-enabled research and evidence implementation across health services.
“Clinical trials and connected health data systems are fundamental to building a learning health system and improving patient outcomes,” Professor Hodgson said.
The Strategy provides an important national framework, and its success will depend on sustained collaboration and effective implementation across the sector. MACH and AHRA look forward to working with the Australian Government and partners to support delivery of the Strategy and ensure it leads to measurable improvements in care, access and outcomes for all Australians.
Read the National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026-2036