AAMRI OIS Report 2019-20 – Victorian Independent Medical Research Institutes vital role in our health and economy

In 2019–2020, $34.5M was provided by the Victorian Government to 12 Victorian independent medical research institutes through the Operational Infrastructure Support (OIS) Program. This report has been commissioned by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and has been prepared by AAMRI.

Victoria’s independent medical research institutes are not only fundamental to the state’s reputation as a global leader in medical research, they play a vital part in Victoria’s health care system and economy.

This has been, and continues to be, especially apparent with the COVID-19 pandemic. The vibrant medical research institute sector in collaboration and partnership with universities, hospitals, and industry, continue to understand, prevent, and develop better detection and treatment methods not only against COVID-19 but a vast array of diseases.

The OIS Program

Ongoing funding such as that from the Victorian Government’s OIS Program is essential to Victorian independent medical research institutes continued success. A 2021 report commissioned by Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, has demonstrated the stunning economic returns from investment in medical research. The OIS Program in particular drove $2 billion in new revenue and created over 15,000 new jobs between 2000–2001 and 2016–2017.

These programs ensure that Victorian Independent Medical Research Institutes are ready and able to respond rapidly, both in our ongoing research and in the event of a crisis. They are critical in enabling medical research institutes to deliver life-changing health outcomes to the community in Victoria and more widely.

This report details the highlights from the 2019-2020 year, including:

  • 629 active clinical trials either directly involving or based on research generated by Victorian medical research institutes
  • $250.3M in competitive grant income
  • 802 partnership agreements
  • 165 outreach events
  • >4500 Staff and students

Read the full report here