WA Chief Scientist launches OMRI Speaker Series with call for ambition, culture change and global impact

The Office of Medical Research and Innovation (OMRI) has hosted the inaugural event in its new Speaker Series, welcoming WA’s Chief Scientist, Professor Sharath Sriram, for a wide‑ranging conversation on the future of medical research and innovation in Western Australia.

Introduced by OMRI Executive Director Stacey Waters, the hybrid event brought together researchers, clinicians, industry partners and policy stakeholders to explore how WA can strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem, accelerate translation, and compete on a global stage.

Professor Sriram outlined a clear vision for a high‑performing innovation ecosystem, highlighting four essential ingredients: strong fundamental research, enabling infrastructure, pathways to turn ideas into products and services, and the people and skills required to drive impact. He emphasised that success relies not only on funding and facilities, but on deliberate culture change that values ambition, collaboration and measured risk‑taking.

Drawing on personal experience, the Chief Scientist spoke candidly about the barriers researchers face in translating discoveries, including access to shared infrastructure, intellectual property arrangements, commercialisation skills and scale‑up capital. He highlighted the importance of outcome‑focused funding models, supportive IP frameworks and training pathways that better equip researchers to bring innovations to market.

The discussion also explored emerging opportunities for WA, including artificial intelligence in health, preventive and remote healthcare solutions, and the growing intersection between climate change, environmental data and population health.

Throughout the session, Professor Sriram underscored the need for stronger narratives, public engagement and media visibility to build pride in WA’s research achievements and attract national and international investment.

An extended Q&A reinforced the Speaker Series’ aim to host open, audience‑driven conversations, with participants raising questions on funding equity, policy engagement, high‑risk research, commercialisation pathways and international collaboration.

The event concluded with the announcement of the FHRI Fund Open Day, to be held on 4 June 2026, where new funding programs relevant to the sector will be launched.

The OMRI Speaker Series will continue throughout the year, featuring inspiring leaders from across the research and innovation ecosystem and shaped by topics nominated by the sector.

Watch the recording on demand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4SEG7b8FM4

Have your say. Complete the post‑event survey to help shape future sessions.