New NHMRC Research Translation Strategy Released

AHRA Chair, Professor Carol Hodgson, said the strategy provides a strong national framework to accelerate the translation of research into improved health outcomes, stronger health systems and greater benefit for Australian communities.

The strategy recognises the important role of Research Translation Centres (RTCs) in bridging the gap between discovery and implementation, and has a renewed focus on place‑based research and translation, including the importance of further investment to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander‑led research and rural, regional and remote (RRR) research.

Key priorities of the strategy include:

• Strengthening partnerships between researchers, health services, policymakers, consumers and industry to ensure research addresses real-world health challenges and can be translated into practice.

• Increased capability for impactful research translation and commercialisation, including developing the skills, systems and collaborative teams needed to move discoveries into implementation and scale.

• Equitable, high-quality, outcomes-focused and accessible research for public benefit, ensuring the benefits of research reach all Australians and support high-quality, evidence-based care across diverse communities.

The strategy aligns strongly with the work Sydney Health Partners is undertaking, as part of AHRA’s national RTC network, to connect research with real‑world healthcare challenges.

“For over a decade, our partners have worked together to bridge the gap between research and practice, to benefit patients and communities more quickly. We look forward to collaborating with partners across the sector to help realise the goals of this strategy and continue to drive meaningful change,” added SHP Acting Executive Director Angela Todd.