Expressions of Interest for membership of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB)

Overview

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is now accepting applications from highly qualified candidates for appointment to the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB), with opportunities available for both Member and Deputy Chair positions. 

About AMRAB

The AMRAB was established under the Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015 to advise the Minister for Health and Ageing (the Health Minister) expenditure from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The AMRAB comprises the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and up to seven additional members.

The functions of the AMRAB are:

1. to determine the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy (the Strategy) and the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities (the Priorities); and
2. to advise the Health Minister about other matters that the Health Minister refers to the Advisory Board.

Currently, the Strategy is determined every 5 years, and the Priorities every 2 years. The Minister takes the Priorities into account when making decisions in relation to grants of financial assistance to support research and medical innovation from the MRFF.

AMRAB works closely with the NHMRC Council to improve alignment and coordination of NHMRC’s Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) and the MRFF administered by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

About the Role

AMRAB plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of health and medical research in Australia. Members should be exceptional, recognised leaders with a demonstrated commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Australians. 

Individuals are selected based on their individual expertise and experience they will bring to the role. They are not appointed to represent the views or position of a specific organisation or institution. 

Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Collectively, AMRAB must possess expertise in the following fields: (a) medical research; (b) policy relating to health systems; (c) management or delivery of health services; (d) medical innovation; (e) financing and investment; (f) commercialisation; (g) philanthropy; (h) consumer issues relating to health.

As an AMRAB member, you will play a crucial role in guiding national priorities and strategies for health and medical research, with the Deputy Chair supporting the Chair in providing leadership and facilitating effective decision-making within the Board.

Current AMRAB members and their expertise can be found here.

Roles and responsibilities of AMRAB Deputy Chair

• Assist AMRAB Chair in leading AMRAB’s strategic initiatives.
• Support the facilitation of meetings and ensure effective member participation.
• Represent AMRAB in public forums and engagements.
• Take on specific tasks or projects as delegated by the Chair.

Roles and responsibilities of AMRAB Members

• Contribute to the development of the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities.
• Engage in consultations with stakeholders, including the research community, healthcare providers, and the public.
• Participate in AMRAB meetings and review meeting papers, including any out-of-session documentation.
• Contribute their expertise and perspectives during meetings, ensuring that discussions are respectful and constructive
• Provide strategic insights that align with national health priorities.
• Actively contribute to MRFF governance by serving on at least one Grant Assessment Committee (GAC) or advisory panel, ensuring alignment between strategic oversight and grant decision-making.
• As an AMRAB member, you cannot be a recipient of MRFF grant funding during the period of appointment. This does not apply to existing MRFF grant agreements that span the period of appointment.

In addition, you must maintain confidentiality in line with the Medical Research Future Fund Declaration of Interest Policy Statement.

For further information about the Selection Criteria and FAQs, please refer to https://consultations.health.gov.au/health-economics-and-research-division/expressions-of-interest-for-membership-of-the-aust/user_uploads/amrab---selection-criteria-and-faqs.docx