Federal Budget: SPHERE welcomes health research investment

SPHERE welcomes the Australian Government’s continued investment in health and medical research through the 2026–27 Federal Budget, including an additional $508.5 million over four years to increase disbursements from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

As a member of Australian Health Research Alliance, SPHERE supports AHRA’s recognition that sustained investment across the full research continuum is essential to improving health outcomes for Australians.

The budgeted increase in MRFF disbursements to $1 billion annually from 2030–31 is an important commitment to Australia’s health and medical research future and provides greater confidence for the sector.

SPHERE also welcomes the Government’s broader support for research translation and implementation, including measures to strengthen clinical trials, research coordination and innovation across the health system.

“Investment in health and medical research is critical, but so too is investment in translating evidence into practice,” said SPHERE Executive Director, Professor Julie White.

“Research translation centres play an important role in ensuring discoveries and innovations are implemented effectively within healthcare settings so patients and communities benefit sooner from advances in care.”

SPHERE will continue working with partners across the health, research and community sectors to support collaborative, translation-focused research that improves health outcomes, strengthens health systems and delivers value to patients and communities.