- New Future Health Research and Innovation Fund strategy to guide long-term investment
- Focused on accelerating real-world health outcomes and commercial innovation
- Strategy to introduce a more structured and transparent approach to funding health and medical research and innovation in WA
The State Government has released a bold and ambitious focus for Western Australia's health and medical research sector with the release of the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Strategy 2025-30.
The FHRI Fund was first established in 2020, as a unique, long-term investment of $1.8 billion, dedicated to supporting health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
This strategy will guide investments over the next five years - sharpening the focus on areas that are both of unique importance to WA and where WA has a clear edge, such as Aboriginal health, rural and remote service delivery, precision medicine and digital health.
More than $260 million has already been granted across more than 745 projects and initiatives, strengthening WA's research capabilities, building new infrastructure and supporting the next generation of innovators and researchers.
The strategy reinforces transparency and accountability, with clear goals, priorities and reporting, overseen by the FHRI Fund Advisory Council and the Office of Medical Research and Innovation.
Each year, the FHRI Fund will commit to one major, uniquely Western Australian issue, supporting it over five years with targeted funding and support.
The Spotlight Program will be the flagship initiative under the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025-30.
The Spotlight Program will encourage researchers, innovators and consumers to come together from across the sector to plan, partner and propose solutions, helping to translate research and innovation into improved health care.
WA's health and medical research and innovation sector has immense potential to improve lives, grow new industries and strengthen the economy, and with this strategy, will ensure the benefits are felt by every Western Australian.
To read the strategy in full, visit the FHRI Fund website: Future Health Research and Innovation Fund - FHRI Fund Strategy and Priorities
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government's strategy will push WA forward as a national leader in medical research and innovation excellence that has real-world impact.
"We must ensure that we turn research into real results - better health outcomes, new industries and jobs, and a healthier, more prosperous future for WA.
"We're proud to back the incredible talent in our research and innovation sector and to grow Western Australia's reputation on the world stage."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"From tackling chronic disease to improving access to care in rural and remote communities, the FHRI Fund Strategy will help us deliver smarter, more effective health solutions that meet the unique needs of our State.
"The Spotlight Program is an exciting opportunity to bring together clinicians, researchers, and consumers to co-design solutions that will directly benefit patients and families across WA.
"With this strategy, we're not just investing in research - we're investing in better care, stronger communities, and a health system that's ready for the challenges of tomorrow."
