MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO DRAFT NATIONAL RESEARCH STRATEGY National workforce plan welcomed, though concern remains on the indirect costs of research
With
Dr Saraid Billiards,
Chief Executive Officer
Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI)
SEGMENT
Filmed in Melbourne | October 2025
On 27 August 2025, the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing announced the release of the draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy (the National Strategy).
The aims of the National Strategy are to build on Australia’s strengths in health and medical research and leverage Australia’s world leading research capability.
The developed strategy aims to attract researchers and investors, strengthen coordination and impact and improve health outcomes in communities.
Involved in the initial consultation phase, was the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI), the peak body for medical research institutes across Australia. Member institutes work on a broad spectrum of human health issues such as preventive health, chronic disease, mental health, immunology and Indigenous health. Their research ranges from fundamental biomedical discovery through to clinical research and the translation of research findings.
AAMRI CEO Dr Saraid Billiards has been working Health, Ageing and Disability Minister, The Hon Mark Butler MP, his office and subsequently with Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO, who in November 2024 was appointed to develop the National Health and Medical Research Strategy.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Dr Billiards about the advocacy work of AAMRI, the reviews, reports, announcements and Phase 1 consultation period leading to the draft release. Consultation on the draft Strategy is open until 8 October 2025.
Source: Adapted from AAMRI release, NHMRC news story and Department of Health, Disability & Aged Care website.
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Journey of an ICU Nurse on International Nurses Day 2025
Kate Leigh is a clinical nurse at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Intensive Care Unit in Perth, Western Australia, with seven and a half years of experience in intensive care, having started her career in London as a new graduate nurse. Initially focused on haematology, she found herself drawn to ICU after meeting a confident and knowledgeable nurse during a discharge. Inspired by his expertise and assuredness, Kate decided to pursue a transfer to Critical Care after seeing an internal advertisement that highlighted educational opportunities and professional development programs.
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Addressing Pharmacy challenges at home and abroad
Paul Sinclair’s progression through the ranks of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) demonstrates the impact and influence he’s had in representing the pharmacy profession on a global scale. In this Australian Health Journal interview, Paul talks about the 4 themes in the upcoming FIP Congress in Brisbane this month. He also talks about the challenges facing pharmacy with remuneration, professional service delivery and the workforce coming out of the COVID era.
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Inaugural Rural and Remote Health Awards
Rural communities are a foundation of the economy and society and must be kept healthy.
There are significant personal, professional and financial rewards for rural healthcare professionals. However, there are also challenges – isolation, long hours, confusion about where to turn for support.
To acknowledge and celebrate the work of Rural and Remote Health Professionals, Rural Health Pro have launched the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
