HRC ‘refresh’ “great news for health research in NZ

10 November 2015

HRC ‘refresh’ “great news for health research in NZ

Today’s release of the findings from the government’s ‘strategic refresh’ of the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) is “great news for the future of health research in this country”, says HRC Chief Executive Professor Kath McPherson.

“We’re extremely pleased the refresh has confirmed that the HRC is an important part of the science system, and plays a valuable role in supporting New Zealand’s high performing health research sector,” says Professor McPherson.

“Of enormous significance, the refresh report has also clearly stated what we have always known to be true: that health research is crucial to delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders, and contributes to economic prosperity by improving the efficiency of the health system and generating high value, knowledge-intensive sectors.”

The HRC invests about $75 million each year in health research on behalf of the government.

The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) report reflects the strategic direction of the recently released National Statement of Science Investment, which identifies health research as a priority for increased investment as part of the government’s commitment to raise its expenditure on science to 0.8 per cent of GDP.

HRC Board Chair Sir Robert Stewart says this recommendation will be welcomed by the health research community.

“Although taxpayers can be absolutely sure that those researchers who receive HRC grants are the very best, they must also know that an increasing number of health research projects with excellent potential aren’t funded. Often this doesn’t happen because the work is flawed; it happens because our investment potential has been constrained for many years. That’s why it’s gratifying to know that health research investment has now been recognised as a priority – and we are determined to ensure that recognition becomes a reality,” says Sir Robert.

Professor McPherson says the refresh has given the HRC an excellent opportunity to get feedback from key stakeholders and “to look hard at what we are doing well – and what we could do better”.

“The results of the refresh may be positive for the HRC and for health research, but we’re far from complacent. The report rightly recommends that we need to increase our visibility and the impact of our investment. We do more than fund the highest quality research projects, programmes, and people. We fund the development of a knowledge network that brings enormous return on investment and is vital to the future health and wealth of New Zealand.”

“We also need to play more of a leadership role in the health sector, facilitate better connections between researchers and end users, and improve our measures of the return on investment – a key issue for all funding agencies, both here and internationally.”

The report recommends that the Ministry of Health and MBIE work closely with the HRC to develop a 10-year health research strategy. This would set priorities for health research, improve alignment between funding mechanisms, and more effectively embed health research into the health sector and science and innovation system.

“I’m excited about this next phase of the HRC’s development and contribution. We’re dedicated to our mission of supporting discovery, innovation, and knowledge translation to enhance the health and well-being of New Zealanders, and New Zealand,” says Professor McPherson.

The full HRC strategic refresh report is available at http://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/whats-happening/news/2015/health-research-council-strategic-refresh.

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