APS Response to draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026-2036

The APS was pleased to provide feedback responding to the draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026-2036. We broadly support the draft Strategy’s Vision, Values and Focus Areas and offer the following points.

Focus Area 1: Building a Vibrant Research System
The APS advocates for long-term, behavioural and preventative research and recommends strengthening collaborative networks and data integration.
Focus Area 2: Modern, Efficient, Consumer-Centred Research
The APS commends the inclusion of consumer-centred research and lived experience involvement and draws attention to the importance of maintaining disciplinary diversity.
Focus Area 3: Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing
The APS acknowledges that First Nations organisations, including the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association, are best placed to advise on the most appropriate ways to conceptualise and implement this Focus Area. We emphasise the need for genuine co-production to ensure that these actions achieve meaningful impact.
Focus Areas 4 & 5: Translation, Innovation, and Future Readiness
The APS urges broader framing of research translation beyond biomedical and commercial outcomes and recommends that Australia aim to be recognised as a global leader, beyond the Indo-Pacific region.
 

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