Review of Independent Medical Research Institutes
Medical research institutes (MRIs) play an important role in the health and medical research sector. The majority of Australian MRIs are organisations established under the Corporations Act which operate independently from universities or hospitals but have affiliations with a particular university (including for the purpose of training higher degree research students).
There are over fifty independent medical research institutes (iMRIs) in Australia, with a reported combined annual turnover of over $1 billion. As non-profit organisations, iMRIs receive the majority of their funding through competitive grants for research projects, primarily through the National Health and Medical Research Council. The balance of funding comes largely through state government infrastructure support, competitive grants from foundations and trusts, commercialisation collaborations and contracts, and community donations.
Review Objective
The overarching objective of this review is to identify what is required to ensure that iMRIs can make a strong contribution to a vibrant, collaborative, and innovative health and medical research sector in Australia.
Specifically, the review will consider and make recommendations on options for improving the viability and competitiveness of Australian iMRIs, with a particular focus on increasing efficiency and collaboration.
Members of Review Panel
· Prof Graeme Samuel AC (Chair)
· Mr Matthew Grounds
· Mr Alastair Lucas AM
· Prof Warwick Anderson AM
Terms of reference
1. Review the major types of business models used by Australian iMRIs, including sources and application of funds, capital and asset models, corporate and research infrastructure platforms, translational impact and make recommendations for improved efficiency.
2. Considering iMRIs’ existing research effort, review their research links, alliances and partnerships, identify gaps and potential synergies, and make recommendations for improved collaboration both within and outside the research sector (including with public and private hospitals, other clinical settings, universities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, private equity, philanthropic bodies).
Process
The Panel will address its terms of reference through research and analysis, including consultation with state and territory governments, medical research institutes, and other bodies and individuals both within and external to the MRI sector. The Panel will also consider international models as part of its review.
Reporting timeframe
An Interim Report is due to the Minister for Health by the end of December 2014. A Final Report is due by the end of February 2015.
Secretariat
The Commonwealth Department of Health will provide secretariat services to the Review Panel, with support from the National Health and Medical Research Council.