Australian Institute of Health Innovation Director, Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite has received $1,974,062 from the Medical Research Future Fund’s Genomics Health Futures Mission.

The three-year project, entitled ‘Embedding genomics in primary care: using implementation science to design a robust national approach’, will ensure a nationally consistent, ethically robust approach to support GPs offering genetic tests and the consumers considering them.

“While the scientific and technological challenges of genomic testing are being met through rigorous research programs, the practice of genomics is a complex area,” Professor Brathwaite says.

“We will support GPs and consumers by ensuring existing resources and newly created support tools are freely available and useful through a rigorous implementation process with GPs.”

The project will be coordinated by Dr Janet Long, and involves partners Australian Genomics, Human Genetics Society of Australasia, the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia, Cystic Fibrosis Australia, Fragile X Association of Australia, Genetic Support Network of Victoria, and Rare Voices Australia.

Genomics medicine is revolutionising healthcare, particularly for people with rare diseases and cancer, by offering prompt and accurate diagnosis, identifying a patient’s risk based on their genes and providing personalised treatments.

The MRFF Genomics Health Futures Mission has funded 25 projects for a total of $66 million.