Consultation on the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities

Overview

The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) is seeking feedback on the draft MRFF Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2026–2031 and draft MRFF Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2026–2028 (MRFF Strategy and Priorities). Feedback will help ensure AMRAB’s advice to the Australian Government reflects the right future focus for MRFF funding.

Why this is important

The MRFF supports research that addresses Australia’s current and future health challenges, helps turn research into real‑world outcomes, and strengthens our research workforce and infrastructure.

AMRAB is an independent advisory body. It provides advice to the government on the MRFF Strategy and Priorities, which the government then uses to make decisions about MRFF funding. AMRAB’s key role is to determine and publish the:

• Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy (every 5 years)
• Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities (every 2 years).

This consultation seeks your views on the next Strategy and Priorities. It comes at a time of rapid change, including advances in technology such as artificial intelligence, and follows a number of recent reviews and consultations across the health and research system. While this consultation is separate from the National Health and Medical Research Strategy process, AMRAB has drawn on relevant insights from recent consultations, including feedback received through that process, when developing the draft MRFF Strategy and Priorities. AMRAB recognises the significant time and effort the sector and community have invested in recent consultations, and this engagement is focused on building on—not repeating—that work.

This consultation is also an opportunity to identify where the MRFF is uniquely positioned to add value through long-term, strategic investments that drive outcomes not achievable through other funding sources. While stakeholders may seek greater specificity around particular diseases, conditions or health challenges, the priorities are intentionally framed at a broader level to focus on the structural and systemic factors needed to improve health outcomes, reduce inequities, and respond to emerging and future challenges. Your input will help refine and prioritise these areas of focus.

What we’re asking

We want to hear whether the proposed Strategy and Priorities:

• focus on the most important health needs
• reflect emerging challenges and opportunities
• support practical benefits for Australians
• target areas where MRFF investment can add the greatest value
• align with broader national health and research goals.

We’re also keen to know if anything important is missing.

The consultation guide, including the draft Strategy and Priorities and a copy of survey questions, is available below.

Who should contribute

Anyone with an interest in health and medical research is welcome to have a say, including researchers, health professionals, consumers, industry, organisations, community members, and interested members of the public.

How to participate

You are invited to:

• Provide input by completing this online survey by 16 August 2026; and
• Join a webinar on 4 August 2026 at 11:00am AEST to hear directly from AMRAB about the draft Strategy and Priorities.

Your feedback will help inform AMRAB's advice to the Australian Government on the final MRFF Strategy and Priorities and help shape the future direction of MRFF funding.

Supporting Materials

Consultation Guide - MRFF Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2026-2031 and Priorities 2026-2028

• Attachment 1 Draft Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2026-2031 – For Consultation
• Attachment 2 Draft Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2026-2028 – For Consultation
• Attachment 3 Consultation Survey Questions