Strategy
Western Australia’s commitment to driving health and medical research is supported by a strong foundation of strategic planning across the sector.
Health and Medical Research Strategy
The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023–2033 outlines the priorities and direction of health and medical research for the state. The strategy leverages the distinct advantages and opportunities of WA's unique geography and population to strengthen research capability across the sector.
Developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare providers, funders and industry, the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of our complex health and medical research ecosystem.
With a focus on increasing collaboration, investment, capacity and capability, the strategy will position Western Australia as an international leader in health and medical research and ensure that the benefits of research are felt by the community.
The Department of Health has developed a governance framework to support the implementation of strategy, including the Sector Advisory Panel, a government reference group, working groups and sector roundtables.
The Sector Advisory Panel was formed in August 2023 to provide advice and guidance to the department on matters related to the implementation of the strategy and includes members that represent the breadth of the WA health and medical research sector.
Future Heath Research and Innovation Fund Strategy
The inaugural FHRI Fund Strategy was developed through extensive research, analysis of national and international best practice, alignment with important reports and other strategies, and substantial stakeholder consultation.
In August 2022, the FHRI Fund Advisory Council resolved to target 6 objectives and, with the approval of the Minister for Medical Research, introduced 4 focus areas:
- A (Aboriginal, rural and remote health)
- B (burden of diseases)
- C (living with COVID-19 and Long-Covid)
- M (mental health, kept distinct to ensure parity of esteem)
Health and Medical Life Sciences Strategy
Western Australia's first-ever Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy signals the government's commitment to supporting digital health, medical technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and health and wellness sectors.
The strategy highlights the health and medical life sciences industry's growth potential and builds on Western Australia's existing comparative advantages to seize the opportunity this industry represents.
Western Australia has a world-class research base, entrepreneurial talent and commercialisation track record in the health and medical life sciences.
Innovation Strategy
Western Australia’s Innovation Strategy provides a vision for Western Australia that sets out clear goals from which to steer and prioritise efforts and benchmark our performance. It provides a holistic approach to innovation that recognises the many parts that make up the innovation ecosystem – and the central importance of people.
The strategy's goal is to inspire a new generation of innovators to solve our challenges and encourage the economy to move in exciting, new directions. The mission is to elevate Western Australian innovation onto the global radar and propel the local ecosystem into a new phase of growth.
WA Health Data Linkage Strategy
The WA Health Data Linkage Strategy is a plan to reform, modernise, simplify and improve access to health data – making it easier for researchers to use data to inform research that will ultimately benefit patients and the Western Australian community.