News and Events
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New expertise joins FHRI Fund Advisory Council as Fund enters next phase 31 March 2026 Two new members have been appointed to the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council as Western Australia’s flagship research and innovation fund moves into its next phase of delivery. The Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. Stephen Dawson, has appointed Professor Dan McAullay and Ms Marie Smyth for a two‑year term. Together, these appointments strengthen the Advisory Council’s capability across research excellence, Aboriginal health, innovation and translation — areas central to the delivery of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30. The new members join the Council as the FHRI Fund continues to progress strategic investment under the Strategy, with the next FHRI Fund Open Day to be held soon. Strengthening research and Aboriginal health expertise Professor Dan McAullay brings deep experience in Aboriginal health research in Western Australia... -
World Rare Disease Day: Fast tracking diagnosis for children with rare disease 27 February 2026 Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI)–funded research at The Kids Research Institute Australia is working to dramatically shorten the time it takes for children with rare disease to receive a diagnosis. Rare diseases collectively affect about 8 per cent of the population and are defined as conditions affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. In Western Australia alone, an estimated 63,000 children live with a rare disease — a number large enough to fill Optus Stadium. Despite their individual rarity, rare diseases have a profound impact. They are the leading cause of death in children, accounting for 6 in 10 childhood deaths. For families, the journey is often long, complex and deeply challenging. A long road to answers For many children and families living with rare disease, reaching a diagnosis involves a prolonged and arduous journey. On average, individuals experienc... -
Consultation open: help shape future FHRI Fund Spotlight topics for Western Australia 16 February 2026 The Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund is inviting Western Australian researchers, innovators, clinicians, consumers and members of the public to help shape future Spotlight Program topics. The Spotlight Program is the flagship initiative of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30, bringing together Western Australia’s health and medical research and innovation sector to address one bold, uniquely WA challenge at a time. Each year, the Spotlight Program focuses on a single priority challenge that matters to Western Australia, supported by a major investment of up to $25 million over 5 years. Spotlight Programs are designed to drive lasting impact through cross‑sector collaboration, sustained effort and strong community engagement. This short survey will help inform the selection of future Spotlight topics. Topics may focus on specific disease areas or broader health sys... -
Clinician Research Fellowships launched through FHRI–Raine partnership 10 February 2026 Applications are now open for the Clinician Research Fellowships, an initiative of the WA Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund delivered in partnership with the Raine Medical Research Foundation. The program is designed to support clinicians employed by WA Health Service Providers to build their research capability while continuing clinical practice. It aims to facilitate high‑quality research that is directly relevant to the WA public health system and contributes to improved health care outcomes for Western Australians. Research supported through the Fellowships must be undertaken in Western Australia and address priorities relevant to the WA public health system. The Clinician Research Fellowships are open to eligible early‑ and mid‑career clinicians with minimal or no paid research time, working in the following streams: Stream A: Medical doctors or dentists Str... -
February Stakeholder Update: QEII Health and Biomedical Precinct 03 February 2026 It has been a busy start to 2026 for the landmark initiative to develop the QEII Health and Biomedical Precinct. The Precinct aims to strengthen biomedical research,translationand commercialisation to advance Western Australia as a globally competitive hub for health innovation. The Precinct Leadership Group (PLG), led by Independent Chair Paula Rogers, held its first meeting in January, providing a valuable opportunity for PLG members from the health care, research and industry sectors to begin sharing their common goals for the Precinct and their intention to strengthen collaboration to deliver outcomes. The PLG will continue to meet regularly, supported by the Department of Health secretariat, and will provide advice to the cross-government Program Oversight Group. Work is now underway to establish a series of expert working groups, to be convened as required to progress key workstr...
Last Updated:
12/03/2026