New RACGP strategy aims to strengthen GP research
03 Sep 2025
A new four-year College plan aims to boost GP-led research and ensure results are translated into everyday practice.
The RACGP has released a new Research Strategy 2025–29, designed to make general practice research stronger, more accessible, and better connected to patient care, education, and advocacy.
Launched this week alongside the September issue of the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP), the strategy has two main goals:
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Expand high-quality, relevant general practice research.
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Ensure research findings are translated into real outcomes in areas like clinical care, GP training, and health advocacy.
The strategy is not only aimed at academic researchers. It encourages all GPs to be part of the research process – whether by conducting quality improvement projects, contributing to studies, or applying new evidence in daily practice.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the plan is an important step in building stronger foundations for general practice.
“GPs care for more than 22 million Australians every year, yet general practice receives less than 2% of national medical research funding,” he told newsGP.
“This strategy is about answering real-world questions from everyday clinics and building the systems, funding, and culture needed for rigorous GP-led research.”
The strategy highlights six key areas needed to achieve these goals:
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Funding – increasing investment in GP research.
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Culture – building a profession-wide culture that values research.
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Data and infrastructure – improving access to quality data and networks.
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Policy – pushing for research-friendly policies at state and national levels.
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Education and training – boosting research literacy and skills for GPs.
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Capacity – supporting GPs and practices to lead, contribute to, and apply research.
There is also a strong focus on collaboration with universities, research institutes, Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, primary health networks, and patients themselves.
Professor Dimity Pond, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Research, said the strategy highlights the unique role of general practice, especially in rural, remote, and disadvantaged communities.
“General practice is often the first place patients present with undiagnosed or multiple conditions. Research in these settings is vital to improving care,” she said.
The RACGP is encouraging members to get involved and help strengthen GP-led research. For more details, members can contact research@racgp.org.au.
(Source: RACGP)