The Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC) said the release of the National Science and Research Priorities is welcome recognition of the role research plays in the Australian economy.
Released this week by the Minister for Industry and Science, Hon Ed Husic, the statement labels Australia “a powerhouse of science and research” which is “essential to Australia’s future economic growth, national interest and social cohesion”.
DHCRC CEO Annette Schmiede said the detailed priorities came at a critical time for the research sector which has the potential to be a global leader.
“We are privileged in Australia to have built a world-class research capability that is respected globally” Ms Schmiede said. “To maintain this competitive advantage, it is important to look ahead and ensure we play to our strengths. Identifying and detailing the government priorities for the coming decade gives a clear direction and focus to ensure our research efforts have the greatest impact.”
The government outlined five priorities that will guide government, university and private sector efforts over the next decade:
- Transitioning to a net zero future: to develop and adopt next generation technologies, particularly in clean energy and storage, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, quantum and robotics.
- Supporting healthy and thriving communities: so more Australians can enjoy healthier lives from birth well into old age.
- Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems: to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people particularly to have more of a say in advancing research that affects them.
- Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment: to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect our biodiversity, diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
Building a secure and resilient nation: to strengthen our democratic institutions while addressing economic, social, geopolitical, defence and national security challenges.
A welcome focus on indigenous health
While each of the priorities outlined are worthy inclusions, the call out for including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the research that affects them is particularly important, with the DHCRC a strong advocate for indigenous voices in co-designing research.
Alongside project partners, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, HealthDirect Australia, Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory Department of Health (NT Health), NT Primary Health Network, the University of Sydney and the Australian Digital Health Agency, the DHCRC is working to access and design a best practice approach to how digital technologies can be deployed in a culturally sensitive and scalable way to improve access to comprehensive Primary Healthcare services in remote indigenous communities.
Ms Schmiede was one of several project partners who last month visited Pirlangimpi, in the Tiwi Islands, to meet with the community and see directly how the community-based research model is working and its impact in a remote indigenous community.
“This is a project that has been underway for two years and what is clearly evident is how important it is to build strong and trusted mutual relationships,” Ms Schmiede said.
“Pirlangimpi like many remote communities across the Northern Territory, are facing many challenges, but the solutions will come from listening, understanding and working with those communities to find approaches that will be effective and sustainable.”
“We welcome each of the priority areas which will further support the work to support research to improve health outcomes for all Australians.”
