Ageing and aged care a priority for Research Future Fund

Support is flowing from the aged care industry, following the release of the second set priority areas for the 2018-20 Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), which acknowledge the sector as an area of focus.

Posted November 9th 2018

by Alexandra Stopford

<p>Residents share their personal experiences on key aspects of their care (Source: Shutterstock)</p> — Residents share their personal experiences on key aspects of their care (Source: Shutterstock)

The focus areas for research have been set following a “thorough national consultation process” with over 1,200 community and industry stakeholders.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced the 12 new priorities, which include:

Antimicrobial resistance
Global health and health security
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Ageing and Aged Care
Digital Health Intelligence
Comparative effectiveness research
Primary Care research
Clinical research capacity
Consumer-driven research
Drug repurposing
Public Health interventions
Translational research infrastructure

“With over $1.7 billion already invested through the MRFF, the Morrison Government’s ongoing investments are supercharging the growth in cutting-edge health and medical research,” Minister Hunt says.

“Leading to new cures and treatments that are improving health outcomes across Australia while fuelling jobs, economic growth and export potential.

“Our Government’s strong economic management means we can support medical research that gives Australians access to the next generation of life saving technologies.”

Aged care peak body Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) has welcomed the inclusion of Ageing and Aged Care to the priorities list.

“Fantastic to see aged care among the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 2018-20 priorities,” the peak says.

“These priorities help guide the Federal Government’s project investments [and] the priorities take into account the burden of disease experienced by the Australian community and the need to enhance evidence translation in clinical practice.”

The MRFF priorities will help guide the Government’s project investment over the coming years.