ARCS Australia has welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026–2036, describing it as an important step towards a more coordinated, capable and impact-focused health and medical research system.

As the peak professional body for Australia’s life sciences sector, ARCS supports the Strategy’s focus on research translation, clinical trials, commercialisation, advanced technologies, data, infrastructure and workforce capability.

The Strategy sets out a 10-year vision for Australia to become “the healthiest nation – driven by research and innovation, delivering for all.” It recognises that Australia has strong research foundations, but that greater coordination, clearer priorities and stronger pathways are needed to translate research into health, economic and social impact.

For ARCS, one of the most significant elements of the Strategy is its recognition of the clinical research workforce, including the need to consider formal recognition, appropriate classification and sustainable resourcing for clinical research coordinators, research nurses, midwives and other professionals who enable clinical trials and research delivery.

ARCS CEO Dr Tim Boyle said the Strategy provides an important opportunity to strengthen the professional workforce that turns research into real-world outcomes.

“Research only delivers its full value when it can move through the system: from discovery, into development, through regulation, into clinical practice, reimbursement, monitoring and real-world implementation,” Dr Boyle said.

“Clinical trials are a critical part of that pathway, and they depend on a skilled, recognised and sustainably resourced professional workforce.

“If Australia wants faster trial activation, broader access to trials, stronger regional and rural participation, better translation and greater global competitiveness, then we need to recognise and invest in the people who make this possible.”

ARCS has long advocated for stronger professional recognition, career pathways and competency-based development across the life sciences workforce. This includes professionals working in clinical operations, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, medical affairs, quality, market access, health economics, commercialisation, data and implementation.

The Strategy’s focus on clinical trial networks, research translation, commercialisation, data and digital technology, advanced therapeutics and future-ready infrastructure aligns closely with ARCS’ work to build capability across the sector.

ARCS believes successful implementation of the Strategy will require investment not only in research projects and infrastructure, but also in the professional workforce required to deliver research safely, efficiently and at scale.

This includes clear role definitions, career pathways, competency frameworks, continuing professional development, appropriate classification and sustainable funding for the clinical research workforce.

“Discovery is essential, but discovery alone is not enough,” Dr Boyle said.

“Australia also needs the professional capability to move ideas through the complex pathway from research to patient benefit. That is where ARCS and its members have a critical role to play.”

ARCS looks forward to working with government, researchers, industry, health professionals, consumers and the broader life sciences community to support implementation of the Strategy and help ensure its ambitions are translated into practical outcomes.

The National Health and Medical Research Strategy 2026–2036 is available here:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-health-and-medical-research-strategy-2026-2036-0?language=en