About the Foundation

Our mission

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is committed to addressing the evolving health needs of patients and communities across Australia through innovative research. Our mission is to fund and support research that advances general practice and benefits all Australians by:

Improving patient care – Funding studies that lead to more effective and efficient treatments, interventions and diagnostic tools that directly impact care and improve patient outcomes.
Informing healthcare policy and guidelines – Investing in research that can shape national healthcare policies, clinical guidelines and best practices, ensuring they are informed by the latest evidence and meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Empowering our healthcare professionals – Supporting the translation of research findings into practical resources and professional development opportunities, helping GPs and healthcare teams stay at the forefront of their field.
Building healthier communities – Advancing general practice research to create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system that benefits every Australian, now and in the future.

Our history

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation traces its origins back to the early 1960s when it was established as the Family Medical Care Education and Research (FMCER) Foundation to support educational and research initiatives across the RACGP. In 2004, the RACGP Foundation replaced the FMCER, shifting its focus to funding research conducted by RACGP fellows and encouraging greater GP involvement in research.

In recent years, the Foundation has broadened its focus to support innovative research led by GPs and GP registrars, often involving multidisciplinary teams but always directly relevant to general practice. It has also placed increasing emphasis on translating research into practical applications within everyday general practice, ensuring that research findings have a meaningful impact on patient care.

The Foundation’s recent rebranding as the Australian General Practice Research Foundation aims to better reflect its dedication to fostering research and innovation that benefits not only the general practice community but all Australians, ensuring that the Foundation remains a vital contributor to the advancement of healthcare in Australia.

The Way We Work

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation operates as an internal fund of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Day-to-day management is handled by RACGP staff, with strategic oversight provided by the Foundation Committee, a subcommittee of the RACGP Board.

Applications for grants, awards and scholarships are reviewed by the Foundation Awards Panel and approved by the Committee, ensuring an impartial and transparent process.

The Foundation is committed to transparency and integrity in every decision it makes. We have developed guidelines to help identify, declare and manage any real or perceived conflicts of interest, protecting the integrity of our grants and research funding. All administration costs are covered by the RACGP, every donation directly supports GP led research.

Our people

Professor Michael Kidd, AO – Foundation Patron

Australia's Chief Medical Officer, International Centre for Future Health Systems at UNSW, University of Oxford.

Michael Kidd AO, MBBS, MD, FAHMS, MRCGP(Hon), FRACGP s a leading Non-Executive Director, academic, and global health expert in primary care and medical education. He has advised the Australian Government and led WONCA, contributing to major health reforms. Michael is committed to strengthening general practice and advancing equitable, evidence-based healthcare worldwide.

Sarah Lance – Foundation Committee Chair

Non-Executive Director – Your Side Australia Ltd, NORTEC. Former CEO – St Johns Australia

Independent Non-Executive Director, Australian Medical Association (AMA), Deputy Chair, Your Side Australia Ltd, Non-Executive Director, NORTEC. Former CEO, St Johns Australia (NSW)

Sarah Lance,GAICD, MBA Executive, B.Ed. is a respected Non-Executive Director, CEO, and Consultant with extensive experience in leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement and strategic change across the health services, membership and education bodies and the private sector. Her focus is on fostering innovation and sustainable growth.

As Chair of the Foundation Committee, Sarah ensures that general practice research informs education, policy, and practice, strengthening the profession and Australia's health.

Julie Toma – Foundation Committee Member

Non-Executive Director – Western NSW Primary Health Network, Barbara May Foundation, Pain Foundation Ltd. Currently a Strategic Advisor with prior Executive Leadership Roles with Catholic HealthCare, Sonic Healthcare & Cochlear.

Julie Toma, MBA, FAMI, GAICD, BAppSc(BMed) is an executive leader dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing across Australia. With expertise in strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement within global corporations and the NFP sector, she drives innovation and ensures that general practice research delivers community impact. Julie also serves on several health-focused boards and advisory committees, contributing her strategic insight.

Alexandra Struthers – Foundation Committee Member

Chief Experience Officer - WWF Australia. Former Director – HomeMade Digital, GM Fundraising – Leukaemia Foundation, GM Individual Giving – Make-A-Wish Australia.

Alexandra Struthers, AICD, BSocSc(Psych) is an executive leader with extensive General Management experience, overseeing large teams and managing $50M+ in annual income.

Her expertise spans digital transformation, fundraising, and strategic planning, driving impactful growth for not-for-profits across Australia and the UK. She joins the Foundation Committee, passionate about ensuring evidence-based research shapes effective healthcare policy.

Dr Rebekah Hoffman - Foundation Committee Member

GP, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) NSW and ACT, Senior Lecturer University of Wollongong

Dr Rebekah Hoffman, MBBS, FRACGP, PhD is an experienced General Practitioner, academic, and advocate for primary care, with a strong focus on medical education, leadership, and health equity. Rebekah combines her clinical expertise with a passion for mentoring the next generation of GPs and improving healthcare access across urban and regional communities. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the role of general practice in Australia's evolving health system.

Professor Dimity Pond – Foundation Committee Member

GP, Chair of the RACGP Research Committee

Professor Dimity Pond, MBBS, FRACGP, PhD is a highly regarded GP, researcher, and academic leader with extensive expertise in aged care and dementia. Her passion lies in translating evidence into practical tools and guidelines that support GPs in diagnosing and managing dementia in everyday practice. Dimity has contributed to national resources such as the RACGP Red Book and served on the Minister’s Dementia Advisory Group, championing the role of general practice in improving care for older Australians.

Dr Taryn Elliott – Research & Foundation Manager

Dr. Taryn Elliott, PhD (Psych), leads the Foundation and RACGP Research team, championing GP-led research to drive progress, innovation, and sustainability in general practice, with a strong focus on enhancing health outcomes for patients and communities across Australia.

As a strategic leader with extensive healthcare experience, Taryn is dedicated to creating impactful programs that foster positive change and collaboration.

Anna Cornish – Program Coordinator, Foundation

Anna Cornish, MBA, Dip Eng is an innovative and driven coordinator with experience in quality, communications, and marketing within regional non-profit and health sectors.

Known for her collaborative approach, Anna excels in developing impactful campaigns and strategic initiatives. Excited to be part of this team, she is passionate about improving community outcomes and driving Foundation growth.

Sue Byrne – Research & Foundation Administrator

Sue Byrne has extensive experience in supporting general practice and primary healthcare. A passionate advocate for improving patient outcomes, she is dedicated to advancing evidence-based care and helping GPs deliver quality healthcare across Australia.

Sue’s commitment to supporting both members and staff, along with her collaborative approach and insight, make her a valued contributor to the Foundation.