A fireside chat between RMIT University Distinguished Professor Magdalena Plebanski and Dr Sarvesh Soni from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, offered insights into medical research priorities through the lens of national policy.
Dr Soni discussed the evolving focus areas of the MRFF, the importance of consumer‑centred research, and how RMIT can position itself to deliver real benefits to patients and communities through MRFF‑supported projects.
In a panel discussion facilitated by RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor, STEM College, Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos, partnerships were framed not just as formal agreements, but as long‑term relationships built on trust, active listening and mutual understanding between researchers, communities, industry, government and philanthropy.
RMIT’s new Chief Advancement Officer, Jo Watts, emphasised the growing role of philanthropy in supporting health and medical research at RMIT, explaining how her team is helping researchers cultivate and steward philanthropic partnerships aligned with MRFF‑funded work.
The focus then turned to practical skills with a presentation from Tim Haydon, CEO of WriteMedia, whereparticipants heard about common pitfalls in MRFF applications - from misaligned program objectives to insufficient detail on implementation, translation, and consumer involvement.
Tim emphasised the need to read the grant opportunity guidelines closely, clearly address each assessment criterion, and ensure proposals articulated both scientific excellence and tangible benefit for patients and communities.
The symposium’s final panel discussion showcased the breadth and depth of MRFF‑relevant research across RMIT, spanning different disciplines, methodologies and partnership models.
Panelists reflected on their own journeys with MRFF‑related work, sharing lessons on designing projects with end‑users involved from the start, how to navigate complex collaborations, and sustaining partnerships beyond the life of a single grant.
The conversation highlighted that impactful MRFF research requires not only high-quality science and innovation, but also deliberately building relationships with health services, community organisations, consumers, and funders.
Overall, the symposium offered attendees a clearer picture of how the MRFF Community of Practice will foster a more connected internal network, support capability development, and create more opportunities for collaboration across RMIT and beyond.
This event was just the first in a program of ongoing CoP activities designed to help RMIT researchers turn health and medical research ideas into tangible benefits for patients, communities and the broader health system.
Story: Georgie Patterson
