Support for medical research rockets to decade high

A new survey reveals surprising results on what Australians think about social media research compared to official information.

While it may seem like many of us are happy to take health advice from social media, new research reveals Australians are overwhelmingly supportive of quality medical information.

With the immense impact of the pandemic still lingering, a survey by Roy Morgan has shown Australians rate medical research as a government funding priority above climate change, the economy, defence and national infrastructure projects.

The pandemic has seen support for medical research in Australia skyrocket. Photo: AFP

According to the study, 83.5 per cent of Australians considered increasing funding for health and medical research a top priority - the highest figure since 2010. It was beaten only by spending to improve hospitals and the healthcare system (89.4 per cent), and improving education standards and outcomes (84.8 per cent).

Peak health and medical research body Research Australia, which commissioned the survey, was understandably pleased with the results.

Chief Executive Nadia Levin said the pandemic had given more Australians an appreciation of the critical role medical research plays.

“Thanks to vaccines created through unprecedented international collaborations between researchers, hope is now in sight,” she said.

“But we wouldn’t be at this stage without the expertise and hard work of the health and medical research community, and the financial support to enable this enormous response.”

Close to 40 per cent of Aussies said they considered funding health and medical research more important than prior to the pandemic.

While vaccinations have become a sticking point for a small portion of the population, the study showed over 90 per cent of respondents were in favour of people being vaccinated, and at least as many were open to taking part in clinical trials.

Over 90 per cent of Australians were in favour of vaccinations. Photo by Patrick Hertzog / AFP

Ms Levin pointed out that beyond the pandemic it was important to maintain vital medical research across other areas as well - and survey respondents agreed.

Over half (55.7 per cent) strongly agreed that basic scientific research which advances the frontiers of knowledge should be supported by the federal government, even if it brings no immediate benefits. A further 40.4 per cent agreed to a degree.

She also flagged the challenges faced by universities in securing limited funding, particularly in the wake of losing billions of dollars as a result of reduced international student numbers.

“Australians are telling us that health and medical research has to remain a priority for our decision makers post-pandemic, and they’re absolutely right,” Ms Levin said.

“Health and medical research must be seen and treated as the critical national capability it is – not only to ensure our health and quality of life, but as a key driver of our economy.”