The directors of Queensland’s leading medical research institutes have joined forces to speak out against significant funding cuts to medical research foreshadowed in the upcoming Federal Budget.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the peak body for funding medical research in Australia, is under threat to lose millions. Current funding for medical research represents less than 2 percent of federal health expenditure.[1]
Directors from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR); The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), Diamantina Institute (UQDI), Queensland Brain Institute, and Faculty of Health Sciences; Mater Medical Research Institute; QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI); Wesley Research Institute (WRI) and the Queensland Children’s Medical Research Institute (QCMRI) urge the Australian Government to take a long-term view and at least maintain current investment in medical research – the health of all Australians depends on it.
Protecting medical research funding is an investment in the future health of Australians. Medical advances have not only saved lives but have reduced healthcare costs, attracted international investment and built new industries.
Not only is medical research an investment in our health but it also delivers a positive economic return to the country. Every $1 invested in Australian health R&D, returns on average $2.17 in health benefits. [2]
National Health and Medical Research Council funding supported more than 8,000 jobs in Australia in 2010. Significant budget cuts will force our best scientists overseas to work in countries that value and support medical research, decreasing our ability to respond to the specific healthcare needs of Australians.
Queensland has worked hard to establish itself as the Smart State and a leader in health and medical research – reduced funding for medical research will risk losing our best researchers and jeopardising the future health of all Australians.
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010.
[2] Access Economics, 2008.
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Media contacts:
Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR)
Sarah Tennant, Science Communication Manager
07 3362 0291 or 0458 650 200
The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB),
Bronwyn Adams, Communications Manager
07 3346 2134 or 0418 575 247
Queensland Brain Institute
Denise Cullen, Executive Communications Officer
07 3346 6434
Diamantina Institute
Caroline Davy, Communications Manager
07 3176 6623
UQ Faculty of Health Sciences
Marlene McKendry, Communications Manager
07 3346 4713 or 0401 996 847
Mater Medical Research Institute
Jacqui Hayes, Senior Public Affairs Officer
3136 2378
QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI)
Ross Young, Executive Director
Wesley Research Institute
Jason Davidson, Marketing Manager
07 3721 1508
jdavidson@wesleyresearch.com.au
Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute
Marcus Engeman, Chief Operating Officer
07 3636 1263
marcus.engeman@qcmri.org.au