The Australian Graduate Industry Research School (AGIRS), through its flagship digital platform ExpertGate, has launched a national call for collaboration under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) National Critical Research Infrastructure – 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure initiative.
AGIRS and ExpertGate are currently developing a major national proposal titled:
“Establishing an AI-Powered National Digital Infrastructure for Clinical Trial Enablement and Research Integration.”
This landmark initiative seeks to develop cutting-edge, AI-driven digital infrastructure to enhance clinical trial delivery across Australia. The platform will integrate digital tools, streamline data management, and improve access to clinical trials—particularly in regional and underserved communities. It is a direct response to the persistent barriers limiting Australia’s ability to deliver inclusive and efficient clinical research.
Why This Project Matters
While Australia boasts world-class medical research and clinical expertise, systemic challenges remain. Clinical trials are often delayed due to fragmented data systems, inefficient coordination, and recruitment challenges—especially in rural and under-resourced areas.
ExpertGate’s proposed solution addresses these issues through a unified, national infrastructure. The digital system will support every stage of the clinical trial journey—from ethics approvals and participant recruitment to real-time data integration and compliance tracking. It will leverage artificial intelligence, secure cloud platforms, and interoperability standards to connect researchers, clinicians, and institutions in real time.
Dr. Mohammad Riyadh, Director of Global Research Partnerships at AGIRS and lead coordinator of the project, emphasised the project’s broader impact:
“This isn’t just about building another platform—it’s about reshaping how we deliver research in Australia. Our goal is to make clinical trials more efficient, more inclusive, and ultimately more impactful for every Australian community.”
What the Project Will Deliver
The proposed infrastructure will provide:
- A secure, centralised trial management and participant-matching system
- Real-time integration with hospital, registry, and trial databases
- AI-powered tools for recruitment optimisation and trial design
- Teletrial and decentralised research capabilities
- Digital governance tools for ethics, compliance, and reporting
- Scalable access across all Australian states and territories
The project is designed in alignment with MRFF’s national goals for sustainable, collaborative, and technologically advanced clinical trial infrastructure.
A National Call to Collaborate
AGIRS and ExpertGate are inviting expressions of interest from a diverse range of stakeholders to help co-design and implement the project. Collaboration is welcomed from:
- Academic and clinical researchers
- Universities, research institutions, and teaching hospitals
- Health technology and digital health companies
- State and regional health authorities
- Ethics, governance, and regulatory experts
- Indigenous and rural health organisations
- Patient recruitment and engagement specialists
Whether you’re leading clinical trials, developing digital tools, or driving equity in healthcare, your contribution is welcome.
Review the project and register interest here:
https://expertgate.org/projects/100045
Why Collaborate?
This initiative offers contributors a range of benefits:
- National exposure through a government-backed, MRFF-supported infrastructure project
- Opportunities to pilot and scale innovative technologies
- Access to shared research tools, partner networks, and technical infrastructure
- Eligibility to be listed as a formal partner or co-investigator in the MRFF proposal
- Alignment with Australia’s broader strategy for digital health and medical research reform
Dr. Riyadh highlights the inclusive model AGIRS is championing:
“We understand that not every researcher or organisation has the resources to lead large-scale proposals. Our structure removes the admin burden—so partners can focus on impact, not paperwork.”
About ExpertGate and AGIRS
ExpertGate is a global digital platform developed by AGIRS to connect top-tier experts, institutions, and organisations with research opportunities, funding programs, and training. Since launch, the platform has supported multidisciplinary projects, offering tools for collaboration, course delivery, consulting, and grant development.
AGIRS (Australian Graduate Industry Research School) is a public company registered in Australia, dedicated to advancing industry-linked graduate research and international research partnerships. In 2024, AGIRS was formally recognised as an MRFF Eligible Organisation, granting it the authority to apply for and manage federally funded research programs on behalf of its collaborators.
Together, AGIRS and ExpertGate are building a national infrastructure ecosystem that blends academic excellence with digital innovation.
Next Steps
Expressions of interest are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The MRFF proposal will be submitted in line with official program deadlines later in 2025. Selected collaborators will be invited to co-design pilot systems, join technical working groups, and participate in the formal proposal development process.
For direct enquiries or to discuss collaboration options:
Email: research@expertgate.org
About the MRFF Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure Grant
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) supports transformative research infrastructure that improves health outcomes for Australians. The 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure round is designed to strengthen national trial systems, improve coordination across trial sites, and increase equity in research participation—especially across underserved populations.
Learn more:
https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/mrff-ncri-2024-clinical-trial-enabling-infrastructure