- Spotlight Program launched at Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Open Day
- $25 million towards the inaugural Spotlight theme of rheumatic heart disease
- More than $290 million in FHRI Fund grants to be awarded in the next four years
A new era of health and medical research and innovation collaboration is underway with the launch of the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Spotlight Program, which will unite researchers, clinicians and communities against a single health issue.
The Spotlight Program was launched today at the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Open Day, celebrating the next chapter of medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
The inaugural Spotlight theme is rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a preventable condition that continues to have a devastating impact on many Western Australians, particularly in Aboriginal communities.
More than $25 million of funding will go towards improving research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of RHD over the next five years, and a new Spotlight focus will be identified and funded each year.
The FHRI Fund Scheme Investment Plan for 2025-26 was also released during today's event, providing the sector a clear forward view of funding opportunities across the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years.
This year's investment plan outlines several grant opportunities, including:
- Innovation Seed Fund: a fund designed to support WA innovators to develop and commercialise their health and medical innovations through start-up companies operating in WA;
- Golden Ticket: a program aiming to enhance the knowledge and skills of high potential WA innovators through covering salary costs, mentorship, and training to the benefit of the WA research community; and
- Research Infrastructure Support: providing essential resources for supporting quality health and medical research when not directly funded by research grants. This program is aiming to build a sustainable research framework for the sector in WA.
Since its establishment in 2020, the FHRI Fund has awarded more than $282 million to 810 recipients, supporting researchers and innovators to deliver impactful health solutions.
A further $292 million is available over the next four years to support new programs and initiatives aligned with the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government is setting up the foundations of a thriving and successful medical research sector right here in Western Australia.
"Today's Open Day shines a light on the extraordinary talent and collaboration driving health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
"The launch of the Spotlight Program reflects our commitment to focusing research and innovation efforts on the issues that matter most to our communities.
"With more than $282 million already invested and a further $292 million allocated for the next four years, we're making WA the place for groundbreaking discoveries that will deliver life-changing research outcomes for our State and beyond."
