WA Forms Expert Panel to Boost Health Innovation

• FHRI Fund Advisory Council has established the Innovation Expert Committee (IEC)
• IEC provides strategic advice on emerging health and medical innovation priorities
• Complements other committees such as the Aboriginal Health Expert Committee

The Cook Government has established an Innovation Expert Committee (IEC) to provide strategic advice on Western Australia's emerging health and medical innovation priorities.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the committee was a pivotal step to ensuring WA remains a leader in health and medical innovation.

The IEC will provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Department of Health and the State Government's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council on evolving health and medical innovation priorities.

The expert guidance will shape the design and development of innovation programs under the FHRI Fund, ensuring WA remains at the forefront of transformative health care solutions.

Following an overwhelming response to a call for expressions of interest, the FHRI Fund Advisory Council endorsed a diverse and highly experienced group of members across a range of health and medical innovation fields.

FHRI Fund Advisory Council will be represented on the IEC via Dr Marcus Tan.

Establishment of the IEC complements the ongoing work of the Research Expert Committee and the Aboriginal Health Expert Committee.

Together, these groups will ensure better outcomes for health and medical research and innovation in WA.

Since the fund was established in 2020, approximately $215 million in grants has been awarded to more than 650 recipients, to support health and medical research and innovation in WA. Over the next four years a further $250 million is available to fund more programs and initiatives.

As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:

"This new innovation expert committee is a vitally important piece of the puzzle in achieving better outcomes for health and medical research programs to benefit Western Australians.

"Their collective expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enhance WA's reputation as a global hub for health and medical innovation.

"The creation of this committee reinforces the Cook Government's commitment to ensuring WA is a leader in the development of cutting-edge health and medical innovations."