Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI)

We’re excited to announce the AAMRI VIC Commercialisation Training Program Final Pitch Night, happening from 3.30pm on 3 December at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Ten standout Victorian researchers will pitch their commercial-ready health innovations to venture capital, industry and research leaders - showcasing the next wave of technologies with potential to transform care, diagnostics and treatment. So far, finalists will represent institutes including Orygen, Burnet Institute, The Florey and Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) - with the remaining five finalists confirmed end of next week! This program, funded by Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and delivered with MTPConnect and Swinburne University of Technology, builds early commercialisation capability across Victoria’s research workforce and strengthens the state’s innovation pipeline. We look forward to celebrating the talent driving Victoria’s future health innovation - RSVP at https://lnkd.in/g3TTVbZc

SUBMISSION: AAMRI welcomes the opportunity to support Australia’s consideration of association with Horizon Europe. Pillar II offers major benefits - stronger global partnerships, greater scientific exchange, and access to mission-driven research aligned with Australia’s priorities. But these benefits are only achievable if Australia fixes a core issue: our funding system does not cover the full cost of research. Without adopting internationally comparable indirect-cost support - including Horizon Europe’s 25% rate - many medical research institutes would be unable to participate. Australia should proceed only if researchers, including independent medical research institutes can engage sustainably and competitively on equal footing with international partners. More at: https://lnkd.in/g4cHhab9

AAMRI WA is pleased to welcome Adjunct Associate Professor Sandra Bellekom of Ear Science Institute Australia as its new Chair. Sandra brings significant leadership experience across Western Australia’s research community and will guide AAMRI WA’s next phase of growth - strengthening collaboration, supporting excellence, and championing the conditions needed to improve health outcomes for the State. We warmly thank Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM of The Kids Research Institute Australia for his outstanding leadership as AAMRI WA’s inaugural Chair. Jonathan played a pivotal role in establishing the WA Chapter and driving major advocacy achievements, including securing State Government support and contributing to planning for the Perth Health and Biomedical Precinct. His impact has set the foundation for long-term success. We are also pleased to welcome new representatives to the AAMRI WA Chapter Committee: - Professor Andrew Whitehouse of The Kids Research Institute Australia - Professor Moira Clay of Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research - Sarah C. of Institute for Respiratory Health - Dr Rebekah Puls of Perron Institute - Professor Fred Chen of Lions Eye Institute AAMRI WA looks forward to continuing its work with government, including Minister for Science and Innovation; Medical Research Hon Stephen Dawson MLC (as below), universities and health services to build a strong, connected and sustainable medical research sector for Western Australia. More at: https://lnkd.in/gYxZ95sr

For everyone who has written to their MP calling for the full release of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) – thank you. Your voices are being heard. 📬 Over 600 emails have now been sent to 122 electorates across Australia, reaching every single State and Territory. With each email sent to both the local MP and your State Senators, this equates to more than 8,000 direct contact points - a powerful reminder that Australians care deeply about medical research and the future of healthcare in our country. But our work isn’t done yet. Federal Parliament will wrap up for 2025 at the end of November and won’t return until early 2026 - so now is the time to keep the pressure on. If you haven’t yet added your voice, please take a few minutes to email your local MP and urge them to support the full release of the MRFF - go to www.aamri.org.au/mrff 🧬 Funding delays are slowing down critical, lifesaving research into cancer, heart disease, dementia, and countless other conditions. Every email, every voice, every message matters - especially as we head toward the 2026–27 Federal Budget. Together, we can make a difference to #releasethefullmrff 👉 Join the growing chorus today and help ensure Australia’s world-class researchers get the support they need to save lives.

Thank you to Dr Monique Ryan MP for this morning's press conference and following roundtable session calling for the Federal Government to release the full $1 billion from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). During the press conference, AAMRI's outgoing President Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM of Hudson Institute of Medical Research spoke about the urgent need for the release of funds: "Medical research institutes around the country are operating deficits, cutting staff and closing programs to the detriment of Australian patients and the healthcare system." Half of the Medical Research Future Fund means half the future. AAMRI is urging the Federal Government to ensure MRFF grants cover the full costs of research, including essential infrastructure, technical staff, cybersecurity, biobanks, compliance, and patient engagement. Read the media release at: https://lnkd.in/gW-QmYYJ #releasethefullmrff

AAMRI is proud to stand with Dr Monique Ryan MP and research leaders in Canberra today, calling for the Federal Government to unlock the full $1 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The Guardian reports today on the urgent need to release these funds to accelerate medical innovation and protect Australia’s research future. Only $650 million of the MRFF’s legislated $1 billion is currently reaching researchers. The funds exist - the modelling is clear - what’s missing is action. Half the Funding. Half the Future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gZCk8ukh #releasethefullmrff #medicalresearch #aamri

Day 2 of the #2025AAMRIConvention brought another outstanding program of insight, collaboration and forward thinking. The morning began with the AAMRI President’s Breakfast, featuring Dr Monique Ryan MP, who shared reflections on how independents can help champion Australia’s medical research sector at the national level. A key highlight was our session on aligning state and federal advocacy, chaired by Dr Saraid Billiards and featuring an exceptional panel: Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM, Professor Frances Kay, Professor Peter Leedman AO, and Professor Kathryn North AC. Together, they explored how coordinated advocacy can amplify our collective impact, avoid duplication, and strengthen the sector’s voice across jurisdictions. Dr Billiards also shared updates on AAMRI’s upcoming projects and advocacy priorities, highlighting how far we’ve come — and what’s next for our sector. We closed with a forward-looking session from Rita Arrigo (National AI Centre) on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in driving discovery, translation and collaboration across medical research. A huge thank-you to all our speakers, members and sponsors. The past two days have been an inspiring celebration of ideas, leadership and unity across Australia’s medical research sector.

We’re proud to announce Professor Jason Kovacic (Director & CEO, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute) as AAMRI’s new President, succeeding Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM, who will conclude her term in December 2025. An internationally recognised clinician–scientist in cardiovascular medicine, Professor Kovacic brings deep expertise in translating discovery into better clinical outcomes and a passion for strengthening Australia’s medical research ecosystem through advocacy, collaboration and leadership. We also welcome new AAMRI Board members: • Professor Ricky Johnstone – Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre • Professor Maria Makrides – SAHMRI • Professor Ken Smith – WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) AAMRI CEO Dr Saraid Billiards thanked outgoing Board members Prof Thomas Kay, Prof Fabienne Mackay, and Prof Kathryn North AC, and paid tribute to Prof Hartland’s leadership through a time of immense change. We look forward to the energy, global perspective and collaboration Professor Kovacic brings as we continue championing a strong, sustainable future for Australian medical research. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gsWPEJAt

What an incredible first day at the #2025AAMRIConvention in Canberra! We began the day with a fascinating Q&A led by Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM on the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy, exploring how a coordinated national approach can help set priorities and build a stronger, more resilient research system. The afternoon brought a compelling address from Jason Kovacic (Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute), AAMRI’s incoming President, who shared his bold vision for the future of AAMRI and the medical research sector. He urged us to all think strategically — emphasising that medical research and translation can strengthen our sovereign capability, drive innovation, and help diversify the economy for a more secure future. We also heard a powerful and engaging panel on Public Perception of Science, hosted by Dr Dr Shane Huntington OAM (Australian Society for Medical Research) and featuring Professor Benjamin Kile (Garvan Institute of Medical Research), Professor Doug Hilton AO (CSIRO), and Professor Megan Munsie (Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)). Together they explored how trust in science has evolved over the past decade — and how we can build stronger public confidence for the future. We closed the day with the AAMRI Dinner at the Great Hall at Parliament House, where the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, addressed more than 190 guests, celebrating the achievements and impact of Australia’s medical research institutes. A huge thank-you to all our speakers, members and sponsors for making Day 1 such a success. The energy, collaboration and optimism in the room truly reflected the strength of Australia’s medical research community. Here’s to another big day today!

“As an independent you need to find areas that matter, that you can make a difference… I’m the only person who has ever asked a question about medical research funding in the House.” Dr Monique Ryan MP shared insights at this morning’s AAMRI President’s Breakfast on how independents can influence national priorities — including championing Australia’s medical research sector. #2025AAMRIConvention