Combining admin of National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund grants will create a kilolitre of cash

And with a new options paper from the feds, it appears that one way or another there will be a single allocation system for the combined $1.5bn  a year now in the two different-tasked funds (CMM June 5).

This creates enormous opportunities for medical research lobbies to suggest ways in which a new system could work in their and the national interest (which are of course synonymous).

So an A (for admirable restraint) goes to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences for its quick response to the Commonwealth’s three proposals, citing its 2022 report in which it  called for “better harmonisation and coordination of funding” and “more clearly defined roles” for Fund and Council. Sets an elevated tone – which may, or may not, last.