Review of health research announced

Government announces first strategic review of health and medical research in a decade.

The 2011 Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon, is to chair an independent review of health and medical research in Australia and recommend a 10-year strategic health and medical research plan for the nation. Announcing the review, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said that Australia had some of the world's best scientists and pioneers who had been responsible for medical breakthroughs including spray on skin for burns patients, the bionic ear and the cervical cancer vaccine. The research review and 10-year health and medical research plan will help researchers continue to realise Australia's potential to solve current and emerging health challenges, at home and overseas, Butler said. McKeon will be joined by leading Australian researchers and business leaders including Professor Ian Frazer, Bill Ferris, Elizabeth Alexander, Professor Henry Brodaty and Professor Melissa Little to carry out the review. The last strategic review took place more than a decade ago.

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