National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026-2036
The Australian Government has announced a record investment of $508.5 million over four years to transform health and medical research in Australia, alongside the release of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026–2036.
The investment and strategy were announced concurrently, with the Budget commitment designed to provide immediate resourcing in support of the Strategy’s long-term 10-year vision. The funding package will be delivered primarily through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), with grant funding projected to reach a record $1 billion per year by 2030–31.
Government Investment
The Australian Government’s record investment will allow MRFF grant funding to reach $1 billion per year by 2030–31 and is designed to improve health outcomes, encourage innovation, advance new treatments, support the translation of research into medical care, and make it easier for Australians to access clinical trials.
Of the total investment, $210 million will address national research priorities through the establishment of two new programs.
- The Australian Cancer Research Program will deliver coordinated research into cancers of significant national concern, including brain cancer, low survival cancers, and childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers.
- The Precision Health Research Program will develop a grant program to boost genomic health care and research capability, improve genetic testing and treatment, and support the earlier identification of people at risk of developing disease.
A further $128 million will address the longstanding inequity in research administration cost support across organisations awarded MRFF grants. The package also includes $127.6 million to bridge the gap between promising research and the delivery of new medical treatments and innovations, with future projects to be selected competitively.
The National Health and Medical Research Council will receive $24.3 million to strengthen its operating resources and fund a feasibility study on the establishment of a Research Grant Hub, while $15.6 million has been committed to progress the National One Stop Shop, a single national platform intended to streamline health research discoverability and make it easier for patients to access new treatments and participate in clinical trials.
The National Health and Medical Research Strategy
The National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026–2036, prepared by Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM, has been released following a year-long national consultation process. The Strategy sets out a transformative 10-year vision covering all aspects of health and medical research across the Commonwealth, states and territories, industry, academia, health professionals, consumers, community and philanthropy.
The Strategy is oriented towards six overarching goals:
- Lead the world in health outcomes
- Deliver equity – no one left behind
- Drive national prosperity and security
- Advance excellence in research and innovation
- Secure a resilient and sustainable health system
- Strengthen regional and global partnerships
The Strategy is structured around five Focus Areas, supported by four key enablers being workforce, funding, data and digital technology, and infrastructure, with 33 proposed actions to be delivered across a phased implementation roadmap.
Focus Areas
- Strengthen a vibrant research system that delivers for Australia
- Accelerate Indigenous-led research
- Deliver high-value care through the timely translation of research findings
- Drive impact through strengthened research development and commercialisation
- Maximise the benefits of advanced technologies and be ready for future challenges
Strategy Implementation
Implementation of the Strategy will proceed across three phases:
Phase 1: Establish Foundations
Standing up governance structures including the National Strategy Advisory Council and Life Sciences and Health Technology Council; commencing national priority setting and horizon scanning; and delivering immediate high-impact initiatives including investment in high-risk, high-reward research, consistent indirect cost support, and an Incubator Funding Program
Phase 2: Build on Strengths
Expanding Research Translation Centres and Clinical Trial Networks; developing annual Investment Statements; advancing global bilateral and multilateral engagements; and rolling out new commercialisation programs
Phase 3: Consolidate and Innovate
Reviewing priorities based on evidence gathered through Enabler actions; monitoring and evaluating progress through the Strategy Performance Evaluation Framework; and advancing identified areas for further development
Across all phases, the Strategy commits to active participation of priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, regional, rural and remote communities, and other underserved groups — in all governance mechanisms, priority setting processes and research activities.
A National Strategy Advisory Council will be established to provide transparent oversight of the Strategy, monitor progress, and report to Commonwealth, state and territory governments and industry and philanthropic partners on implementation.
Further Information
For more information, please contact Hawker Britton’s Partner Andy Gargett at [email protected]
Additional Occasional Papers published by Hawker Britton are available here.