Launching our Translational Research Strategy 2024-2027

On average, it takes 17 years for research findings to be translated into improved treatment, care, and support for people accessing our mental health and wellbeing services.

Our Translational Research Strategy 2024-2027 will address this gap by embedding collaboration between researchers, mental health practitioners and people with lived and living experiences in the locations where care is provided, to improve outcomes for consumers, carers, family, supporters and kin.

Our strategy was launched by Ingrid Stitt MP, Minister for Mental Health, who spoke about the role of the Collaborative Centre as an ‘engine room’ for system transformation.

Our Co-CEOs, Carolyn Gillespie and Professor Sarah Wilson, spoke about the significance of the strategy for delivering the Centre's ambition and new ways of working.

Carolyn spoke about the role of people with lived and living experiences as leaders and co-designers of the Centre's work, including the development of the Translational Research Strategy.

“We can harness this wisdom to lead the redesign and delivery of mental health and wellbeing services so that they are safe and responsive to our needs, and we can lead and participate in quality and ethical research that is implemented in practice for real and lasting change,” she said.

Sarah spoke about translational research as a core ingredient that has been missing from many levels of our mental health and wellbeing system. This includes the design and delivery of treatment, care and support, government decision-making and policy development, and supporting the wellbeing and capacities of our dedicated workforces.

"In our daily work, we need to pause and reflect on the evidence that underpins our thinking and practice in how we are delivering care,” she said.

“And where that evidence is lacking, commit to addressing that, to changing our practice, perhaps revisiting existing research or testing new ideas, and then sharing what works for the benefit of all Victorians."

The ambition of our Strategy is deeply human-centred, informed by the voices of people with lived and living experiences to guide us towards the solutions we need.

A heartfelt thank you to the many hundreds of contributors who helped shape this Strategy and who will be instrumental in driving real, lasting, and positive change for Victorians. We look forward to continuing this important journey in partnership with you.

Download the strategy: