$3M action plan to secure future of medical research workforce
Share
The Allan Labor Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Victoria’s medical research workforce, ensuring the state remains a global leader in healthcare innovation. Backed by nearly $3 million in funding, the Health and Medical Research Workforce Action Plan aims to create a diverse, secure, and highly skilled research sector.
The Workforce Action Plan focuses on enhancing education, career pathways, and job security while fostering diversity and inclusion. Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll emphasised the plan’s role in maintaining Victoria’s reputation for excellence.
“Victoria is a world leader in medical research because of our dedicated and talented workforce,” Carroll said. “This Action Plan provides a clear vision to build an even more supportive, collaborative, and innovative workplace for our researchers so they can forge long, successful, and rewarding careers, right here in Victoria.”
Supporting Emerging Researchers
A centrepiece of the plan is the FAIR Fellowships program, which allocates nearly $1 million to 13 early to mid-career medical researchers. These fellowships help retain talented individuals who narrowly missed federal funding, addressing a key challenge in a competitive grant environment where success rates hover between 10% and 15%.
“The FAIR Fellowships acknowledge the challenges faced by emerging researchers and ensure we continue supporting their valuable work,” Carroll said.
The program prioritises underrepresented groups, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who have experienced career disruptions.
Victoria’s medical research sector employs over 30,000 professionals and accounts for more than 40% of Australia’s medical and health sciences output. Over the last decade, the government has invested over $1 billion in the sector, driving breakthroughs in treatment and patient care.
Karen Parr, CEO of the BioMelbourne Network, welcomed the initiative, stating, “A thriving and collaborative research workforce underscores the sector’s growth and success. BioMelbourne Network welcomes the release of the Victorian Government’s Workforce Action Plan to support the attraction, building, and retention of top talent.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
