Response to the National Innovation & Science Agenda

Scientific excellence is key to Australia’s ‘Ideas Boom’

The Centenary Institute has welcomed the Federal Government’s National Innovation & Science Agenda outlined by Prime Minister Turnbull today.

The plan identifies scientific excellence and investment in medical research as key priorities for driving Australia towards a future of innovation and prosperity.

Centenary Institute Executive Director, Professor Mathew Vadas AO, said the concept of an ‘ideas boom’ is already being championed by the Centenary Institute.

“Innovation, collaboration and the commercialisation of research outcomes is at the heart of everything we do at the Centenary Institute,” Professor Vadas said.

“It is wonderful to see the type of strategic objectives we strive towards every day being outlined on a national level and being identified as key elements of the national agenda.”

Professor Vadas particularly welcomed the implementation of key elements of the McKeon Review blueprint, including flexible distribution of money from the Medical Research Future Fund, a strong focus on better translation of research and a more consistent approach to government funding for research.

“Australia is home to some of the best and brightest medical researchers in the world. Every dollar invested in them is an investment in the health and wellbeing of us all,” Professor Vadas said.

“We congratulate the Turnbull Government on placing innovation and scientific excellence back on the national agenda, and we look forward to playing an important, ongoing role in building Australia’s ‘ideas boom’.”