Trends in health and medical research funding

Research Australia has released 'Trends in Health and Medical Research Funding'. This publication provides a statistical overview of expenditure on health and medical research by government, industry and philanthropy.

The publication shows:

• Australian government spending on health and medical research as a percentage of GDP has been steady for the past six years.
• Funding by the National Health and Medical Research Council has increased steadily since the release of the Wills Review (1999).
• Strong gains have been made in basic science and clinical research, with limited growth in preventive medicine and health services.
• Business expenditure on R&D grew steadily to $762 million in 2006–07 up from $434 million in 2003–04.
• Community giving to health and medical research is widespread, but average donations are small. Prescribed Private Funds offer significant support to medical research.

The publication was compiled to inform policy consideration of the vital place of health and medical research in building the knowledge economy, and promoting a healthy community now and into the future.

'Trends in Health and Medical Research Funding' is available from www.researchaustralia.org.