Ambitious Health Research Strategy Paves the Way for Transformative Innovation in WA
Western Australia is set to step into a new era of health research and innovation with the release of the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Strategy 2025–30. This bold framework, unveiled by the State Government, is designed to channel long-term investment towards research areas where WA already holds distinct strengths – ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for all Western Australians, create new industries, and drive economic growth.
A Bold New Direction for Health and Medical Research
The FHRI Fund was first established in 2020 as a long-term investment of $1.8 billion, sourced from state royalties. Since its inception, the fund has already granted more than $260 million to over 745 projects and initiatives. Over the next five years, the new strategy will take a more structured and transparent approach to funding, setting clear priorities in areas such as Aboriginal health, rural and remote service delivery, precision medicine, and digital health.
The focus on Aboriginal health recognises the unique challenges and disparities faced in Indigenous communities. Similarly, investing in rural and remote service delivery aims to overcome geographic barriers that have long hindered consistent access to cutting-edge healthcare. Advances in precision medicine and digital health are also at the heart of the strategy, promising tailored treatments and telehealth solutions that reach communities across the state.
Building on a Legacy of Investment and Innovation
The current strategy builds on a strong foundation laid since the fund’s inception. In November 2019, the establishment of an initial endowment marked a significant government commitment to health research and medical innovation in WA. Following legislative success in August 2020 to increase the fund’s capitalisation, early investments have already begun to transform the state’s research landscape. These early successes not only strengthened research capabilities but also helped build the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of researchers and innovators.
The FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30 continues this trajectory by setting in place robust governance structures. The FHRI Fund Advisory Council and the Office of Medical Research and Innovation will ensure transparency, clear reporting, and accountability in funding decisions. This transparent approach is designed to reassure the public that large-scale investments are managed prudently and with a targeted focus on WA’s unique challenges.
The Spotlight Program: A Flagship Initiative
At the heart of the new strategy is the innovative Spotlight Program. Each year under the FHRI Fund, this flagship initiative will focus on one uniquely Western Australian issue, dedicating targeted funding and support over a five-year period. By fostering collaboration among clinicians, researchers, innovators, and consumers, the program is expected to create real-world solutions that translate directly into improved healthcare across the state.
This collaborative approach aligns with the broader objective of turning research breakthroughs into tangible health outcomes. The Spotlight Program aims not only to support research but also to foster partnerships that will help commercialise innovations, supporting the growth of new industries and job creation—a win-win for both the healthcare system and the wider Western Australian economy.
Economic and Societal Implications for WA
The new strategy is not just about advancing research; it is equally about ensuring that these innovations bring widespread benefits. Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson has emphasised that the strategy will position WA as a national leader in medical research and innovation with clear real-world impact. By transforming research into better health outcomes, the initiative is also expected to spur economic growth and generate employment opportunities across the state.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat has underscored the importance of addressing the state’s unique health challenges – from tackling chronic disease to improving care access in rural and remote communities. By investing in smarter, more effective health solutions, the strategy seeks to build stronger communities and ensure a resilient health system capable of meeting future challenges.
A Broader Context of Success
This initiative is part of a broader governmental commitment to health innovation in WA. Like similar funds in other Australian states, the FHRI Fund aims to harness local strengths and address local challenges. However, the FHRI Fund strategy is distinct in its long-term vision and its targeted investment approach – particularly through the Spotlight Program, which ensures that each year brings a focused solution for a major WA issue.
For readers interested in further details about the FHRI Fund and its ongoing projects, more information is available on the official FHRI Fund website at https://www.fhrifund.health.wa.gov.au/About-us. Additionally, past annual reports – such as the FHRI Fund Annual Report 2022–23 – provide deeper insights into early progress and strategic direction ([FHRI Fund Annual Report 2022–23](https://www.fhrifund.health.wa.gov.au/-/media/FHRI/Documents/FHRI-Fund_AnnualReport_22_23.pdf)).
Looking Ahead
As Western Australia embarks on this ambitious five-year strategy, the focus remains clear: to invest wisely in health research and innovation that delivers direct, measurable benefits to the community. The FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30 is poised to build on WA’s strengths, drive transformative change, and secure a healthier, more prosperous future for every Western Australian.
With transparent governance and a commitment to tackling uniquely local health challenges, the new strategy represents a significant step forward in ensuring that WA’s research capital – both financial and intellectual – is used in ways that profoundly impact lives and communities across the state.
