The Western Australian Government has announced an additional $8million in funding over three years for health and medical research in Western Australia.

 

Health Minister Kim Hames said the additional funds would bolster WA’s broader research effort and encourage emerging clinicians to consider research as a career pathway.

 

“WA Health engaged former Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Professor Richard Larkins to complete an assessment of the governance of the State Government’s investment into health and medical research,” Dr Hames said.

 

“Professor Larkins consulted with research institutes and looked at how research funding is currently administered here in WA and also elsewhere.

 

“In line with the findings of his report the State Government intends to establish a body to oversee the State’s investment into health and medical research.

 

“This investment of an additional $8million over three years will support the launch of this revitalised and strengthened State Government’s commitment to health and medical research in WA.

 

“There will be additional investment in infrastructure and support for institutions to better assist our world-leading research institutes.

 

“We will increase our support for research projects that look at the best way to deliver health services, further supporting research that aims to increase efficiencies and improve patient outcomes. This will be achieved through funding of research projects such as those commissioned by the State Health Research Advisory Council.

 

“The State Government will strengthen research governance and leadership by supporting up-and-coming clinicians with an interest in research by providing additional funding for research fellowships.

 

Mr Hames said that the work done by Professor Larkins showed that a similar approach to research funding in Victoria demonstrated a significant benefit to the economy.

 

“For the average dollar that was invested in health research between $2.40 and $3.56 was added to gross economic growth.”

 

The State will draw on expertise from the United Kingdom based The King’s Fund, to assist in providing validation of the State’s health and medical research funding.

 

The King’s Fund is a not-for-profit organisation which works with individuals and organisations to shape policy and transform health services, supported by expert research and analysis.

 

“I would also invite the corporate sector, where they may be considering investing in health and medical research in WA, to consider using this as a vehicle for funding,” Mr Hames said.