Consultation on the MRFF Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities and the MRFF Act Review

Overview

Consultation is a crucial step in the Australian Government’s consideration of the areas of focus and investment priorities for health and medical research.

Updating the MRFF’s Medical Research and Innovation Priorities for 2024-26

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is a health and medical research fund set up by the Australian Government in 2015. In December 2023, the investment fund grew to $22 billion.

The Government uses the MRFF to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians by funding health and medical research that addresses current and emerging health needs, burden of disease, and gaps in translation and health outcomes.

Every 2 years, the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) consults with diverse stakeholders to set the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities (Priorities) for the MRFF. AMRAB then develops the next set of Priorities based on this feedback.

AMRAB has reviewed the Priorities 2022-24 and proposed updates for the Priorities 2024-26.  The updates address emerging gaps, priorities and particular area(s) of concern for health and medical research over the next two years. They are aligned with the MRFF Strategy 2021-26.  

AMRAB wants to hear your views about the proposed updates for the Priorities 2024-26:

• Do they reflect our health and medical research needs for the coming two years?
• Should AMRAB make any additions or amendments to the proposed updates?

To let us know your views, please click the survey link at the bottom of this page.

MRFF Act Review

We are also seeking feedback on the operation of the MRFF Act 2015 (the Act). This feedback will help inform our review of how well the Act is operating and how it could be improved. This review is required by the Act and is due to be completed by early December 2024. We would like to hear your views about:

• How often should AMRAB update the MRFF Strategy and Priorities?

• Could we streamline state and territory and local government access to MRFF funding to help ensure that grants are paid to whichever entities are best placed to deliver the intended outcomes?

For more information about the consultation questions, download and read “Consultation Guide" (available under the 'Related' section at the bottom of this page). 

Why your views matter

Your views will inform:

• AMRAB’s deliberations to finalise the MRFF Priorities 2024-26
• The MRFF Act Review and recommendations to improve how the Act is operating.