New strategy adopted for Australia’s medical research fund

Thirteen draft priorities also chosen for A$20 billion fund, including data and artificial intelligence

An updated five-year strategy has been adopted for Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund, alongside 13 new draft priorities for the A$20 billion fund, which is expected to spend around A$650 million a year on research and research translation under a bill currently before parliament.

The MRFF strategy for 2021-26, published on 8 November, sets out four objectives. These are to deliver: research-informed equitable health outcomes; health and economic benefits through research translation into policy and practice; a skilled workforce; and a sector able to respond to future challenges.