A new chapter for research and clinical innovation in NSW

By Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque, Deputy Secretary, Clinical Innovation and Research and Chief Executive, Agency for Clinical Innovation

We are entering an exciting new chapter for clinicians and researchers across NSW. The launch of the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025–2030 marks a significant step toward creating a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem that delivers better health outcomes for our communities.

Earlier this month, I joined the Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. David Harris, at the AusBiotech Annual Medtech Conference to launch the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025-2030. The theme of the conference, ‘Innovation to Impact’, was a fitting reflection of an ambitious 5-year plan for research and innovation in NSW.

Led by the Clinical Innovation and Research Division, this Strategy leverages our expertise across the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) and the Office for Health and Medical Research. It sets the foundation for greater collaboration between the NSW Government, health, academic, and industry sectors to achieve improved health outcomes for the people of NSW.

The Division already works across the spectrum, from early discovery and clinical trials to translational research, clinical innovation and implementation at scale. However, this Strategy strengthens our efforts to improve:

• the experience of delivering and receiving care
• system efficiency and sustainability
• equity in access and health outcomes.

It builds on a decade of investments in research and innovation in NSW and aligns with the ACI Strategy, Future Health; and other NSW Government initiatives, including the NSW Innovation Blueprint.

A roadmap for researchers, clinicians and health leaders

The NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy provides a roadmap for researchers, clinicians and health leaders, with six strategic outcomes:

1. A thriving ecosystem – adopting a coordinated, collaborative and inclusive approach to research and innovation.
2. Strategic investment – building a portfolio of investment to target areas where NSW is well positioned to harness current and future opportunities.
3. An open assets philosophy – developing and mobilising assets to accelerate research and fully harness emerging innovations.
4. A place-based foundation – driving synergies and integration through a statewide network of precincts and place-based initiatives.
5. A pipeline approach – generating value from our research investments by addressing real system problems and progressing innovation to scale.
6. Research and innovation for all – supporting better use, translation and creation of research and innovation across healthcare settings to improve outcomes, equity of access and system efficiency.

The Strategy recognises the need to do more for Aboriginal people, people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds and those living with rare diseases. It also acknowledges the need to focus on women’s health, and to increase the number of women leading research.

What the strategy means for clinicians

The Strategy will help fast-track innovations from research through to pilot programs into clinical practice, and ultimately to system-wide adoption—reducing the time from discovery to impact.

Open access to assets and data will be critical for clinicians to test and trial new approaches; and we will strengthen connections between rural and metropolitan precincts, so clinical entrepreneurs can bring new ideas to life.

This strategy is not just about researchers and innovators – it will enable more clinicians to use research. Through the Single Digital Patient Record, decision-support tools, artificial intelligence and clinical effectiveness studies, clinicians will be better equipped to apply evidence in their everyday practice. It also extends opportunities for clinicians and their patients to be involved in clinical trials.

This article appeared in the latest issue of Clinician Connect. In this issue, ACI are pleased to share a guest editorial from Professor Jason Kovacic, Director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and Co-chair of the NSW Chapter of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes. Professor Kovacic was involved in shaping the Strategy and provides a valuable perspective on what it means for clinicians, researchers and the health system.

The ACI has several promising research grant partnerships currently in progress. These include two Medical Research Future Fund projects, to reduce unwarranted testing in intensive care units and scale up the AgriSafe program for rural health. Another project funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council will implement the Finding your Way shared decision making model for Aboriginal health. .

You can also learn more about the Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Program from the Office of Health and Medical Research, which supports clinicians to conduct clinical trials across the state to improve equity of access to research and innovation.

Next steps: from strategy to action

Collaboration is key to achieving the Strategy’s ambitious goals for NSW. I would like to acknowledge and thank the 400+ stakeholders from across the NSW health system, and the wider research and innovation sector, who were engaged throughout development of the Strategy.

To drive implementation, we will soon establish a NSW Health Research and Innovation Council. This will be supported by detailed action plans that outline how NSW Health will enable and grow our research and innovation ecosystem. Action planning is now underway, with further engagement to come in the months ahead.

I look forward to continuing this important journey with you—working together to unlock the full potential of research and clinical innovation in NSW.