The Perron Institute was among organisations consulted by the State Government in developing Western Australia’s first State-wide strategy to boost health and medical research.

The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023-2033 aims to enhance the State’s research and commercial opportunities, support researchers and align WA’s health and medical research sector to create new opportunities.

“The Perron Institute welcomes this important new strategy,” said the Institute’s Director of Research, Dr Rebekah Puls.

“We were pleased to provide input into the development process, including through our Strategic Plan which assisted in the identification of key themes.”

This initial work prepared the way for further stakeholder consultation, including workshops and submissions to finalise the strategy launched recently by Medical Research Minister the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC.

The six priority areas identified are regional and remote health, Aboriginal health, precision medicine, digital health, consumer engagement and prevention.

Minister Dawson said the ten-year plan aims to build Western Australia’s health workforce, grow partnerships and promote the State’s health and medical research achievements, both at home and around the world.

Built on WA’s strong track record of achievements in medical research, the strategy focuses on translating good research into better outcomes for all Western Australians.

Underpinning the strategy is a focus on attracting and retaining local and international talent, building collaboration and implementing improved health outcomes throughout the WA community.

“Western Australia is already home to some of the world’s best researchers and boasts significant areas of strength,” Minister Dawson said.

“We want to create an environment where our researchers have the tools they need to transform brilliant ideas into real change.

“Western Australians can be assured that over the next decade, there will be remarkable home-grown research developments that will attract global attention.”

The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023-2033 can be viewed here.