AAMRIs responses to SERD Issues Papers

AAMRI submissions to the Strategic Examination of R&D – Issues Papers 1 & 2 (this page will be updated as more papers are released)

About the Strategic Examination of R&D

The Australian Government has commissioned an independent strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system, following on from the Universities Accord and as part of the Future Made in Australia package.

The review aims to strengthen Australia’s science and innovation capability and ensure R&D investment delivers greater national benefit — supporting economic resilience, new industries, and long-term prosperity.

The Expert Panel will advise government on how to:

• get more value from investment across universities, industry and government
• grow business investment in R&D
• leverage Australia’s scientific strengths to meet national priorities.

More information and the full set of Issues Papers are available on the Department of Industry’s consultation hub.

Timeline of the examination

• 2024–25 Budget announcement: Government announces a strategic examination of Australia’s R&D system.
• Terms of Reference: Published outlining the review’s scope.
• Expert Panel appointment: Panel members announced.
• Discussion Paper: Released for public consultation, including roundtables and written submissions.
• Findings and analysis: The panel published a summary report of key insights and submissions.
• Issues Papers: Released progressively from August 2025, exploring solutions to specific reform areas.
• Final report: The panel will deliver recommendations to government later in 2025.

AAMRI’s initial submission to the SERD Discussion Paper (April 2025) can be read here.

AAMRI’s responses to the Issues Papers (full PDFs available below)

Paper 1: National coordination for RD&I impact

This paper proposes reducing fragmentation across the R&D system by introducing national focus areas, improved governance, and stronger coordination mechanisms.

AAMRI’s submission supports a 20-year bipartisan national R&D strategy with triennial reviews and transparent reporting, ensuring stability and accountability. It calls for health and medical research to be recognised as a national focus area, greater representation for medical research institutes in governance structures, and reform to fund the full costs of research — including addressing the $786 million shortfall faced by MRIs in 2023.

Paper 2: Scaling the RD&I system – A proactive approach

This paper explores how to better translate research into impact, focusing on scaling startups, SMEs, and commercialisation pathways.

AAMRI’s submission supports initiatives that strengthen translation and industry collaboration but highlights that scaling reforms cannot succeed without a sustainable research workforce and full cost funding. It recommends reinstating REDI-style programs, expanding proof-of-concept and high-risk/high-reward grants, and ensuring reforms align with the draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy.