Publish Date: 
Thursday, April 16, 2015 - 17:15

Warwick Anderson National Press Club Address

Former National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) chief executive Warwick Anderson addresses the National Press Club on the topic: Australia's health - is research the best medicine?

Professor Anderson's appointment to the NHMRC ended on the 31st March 2015, ending a long stint at the head of the biggest science research funding body in Australia. 

The Professor discusses a range of subjects including women in senior science research roles, the great economic benefits that health and medical research bring to us and the importance of testing of 'alternative' medicines. He also points out that "thanks to research 7 out of 10 childhood cancers can now be cured."

"Studies commissioned by the Australian Society of Medical Research show that Expenditure on medical research has an economic return of at least 3 fold to the economy through health improvements. $600 million flows into the Australian economy each year to conduct clinical trials. Medical and  pharmaceutical exports have been worth about $4 billion a year over recent years, more than wine exports. "

> Watch the video at ABC Online