'Innovation agenda' key to future success in research sector

Professor Paul Hertzog

I would like to make a comment on the future of biomedical research funding and careers, prompted by listening to Hudson board member Professor Warwick Anderson’s presentation at the Institute on Wednesday.

It was interesting to hear the insights of Professor Anderson, who as a former CEO of the NHMRC, has a decade of experience in the political environment of Canberra.

While there is a place for considering how we structure PhDs and the diversity of opportunities that exist beyond graduation (see recent editions of Nature), I believe strongly that there is a primary place for creative, excellent and innovative discovery research activity, and also a will in the community to continue to support this activity.

We must capitalise on Australia’s research strength and our society’s enthusiasm for it. A strong research sector doing basic and translational biomedical research is essential to drive the ‘innovation agenda’.

This sector is the basis upon which applied research is built. It is where entrepreneurs will be trained and nurtured. It is the foundation of the innovation pathway and what Australian science is recognised for internationally.

Australian researchers need to continue to be supported in their leadership in fostering international linkages, exchanges and collaborations, particularly in our region.

Therefore, it is up to each and every one of us to push the political agenda to encourage and convince our politicians to build investments in research grants and careers in our universities and institutes.

The Federal Government’s new Medical Research Future Fund should facilitate sustainability in this direction. Biomedical research is a field in which Australia excels and with the right support, this sector has the potential for a higher level of leadership and global recognition.

I am sure I am not alone among the leadership of the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in being committed to working towards training excellent biomedical basic and translational scientists, mentoring the careers of the brightest and best in our field, encouraging you to succeed and providing the best environment in which to do so.

We will prioritise the growth and diversification of our funding sources to make this happen.

- Professor Paul Hertzog

Head of the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases and Deputy Director
Hudson Institute of Medical Research