Prof Zoe Jordan – Executive Director, JBI, The University of Adelaide
In an era of increasing complexity, Australian policymakers are under increasing pressure to make faster, fairer, and better-informed decisions. From climate adaptation and Indigenous health to aged care reform and pandemic preparedness, robust evidence must underpin public policy. But high-quality evidence doesn’t emerge fully formed—it is the product of sophisticated systems that locate, assess, synthesise, and translate research in ways that are timely, trusted, and useful.
That’s where the Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative (ESIC) comes in. This global, multi-sectoral initiative is re-imagining the backbone of evidence synthesis, bringing together governments, research institutions, health systems, funders, and civil society to co-create a more resilient, efficient, and inclusive ecosystem for evidence-informed decision-making.
For Australia, ESIC presents both an opportunity and a wake-up call.
A Global Movement with National Relevance
As a country with a strong track record in health research, Indigenous knowledge systems, and public policy innovation, Australia is well placed to contribute to and benefit from ESIC. The collaborative’s work aligns closely with national priorities, including the goals of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), and Office of National Intelligence—all of which emphasise translation, transparency, and strategic use of evidence.
Yet, like many other high-income nations, Australia’s evidence systems remain siloed and Stoften underprepared for rapid or large-scale evidence demands. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed both the strengths and the fragilities in our national approach, prompting a renewed focus on how evidence is synthesised, governed, and shared.
ESIC offers a framework to elevate Australia’s role on the global stage, while simultaneously improving domestic capabilities.
Policy Implications for Australia
Participation in ESIC provides Australia with a front-row seat in shaping the global evidence agenda and a unique chance to embed best practice in our own systems. For government departments, health agencies, and policy units, this has several direct implications:
- Better Value for Investment: By aligning with international standards and avoiding duplication, Australia can make more efficient use of its public research funding.
- Stronger Regional Leadership: ESIC’s emphasis on equity and inclusion strengthens Australia’s capacity to support and collaborate with Pacific Island nations and Southeast Asian neighbours contributing to regional resilience.
- Faster Access to Decision-Grade Evidence: Shared digital infrastructure and global partnerships mean faster, more relevant evidence for time-sensitive decisions.
- Greater Accountability and Trust: Transparent processes and open science principles help build trust in policy decisions and reduce misinformation.
Moreover, ESIC’s focus on co-design and Indigenous engagement aligns with national imperatives to incorporate First Nations perspectives in research, data governance, and health planning.
What’s Next?
Australia’s engagement with ESIC is already underway through a growing network of researchers, institutions, and knowledge translation experts. The recently released Roadmap 2.0 outlines shared priorities and practical actions, many of which align with Australian government agendas on innovation, health equity, and public sector reform. Equally, the Cape Town Charter, co-developed by ESIC collaborators, lays out values that strongly resonate with Australia’s own aspirations for inclusive, responsive, and respectful systems of evidence use.
But further momentum is needed. Government departments, universities, and funding bodies are encouraged to explore how they can support and integrate ESIC’s recommendations. Opportunities exist to contribute to working groups, align grant-making strategies, adopt shared platforms, and trial new models of collaborative governance.
One key Australian organisation well positioned to engage with ESIC is the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research. As the research arm of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), the Deeble Institute plays a central role in translating health services research into policy-relevant outputs. Its strong networks across government, academia, and the health system make it a natural ally in advancing evidence-informed policy.
Join the Conversation
ESIC isn’t a single project, it’s a collective rethinking of how the world generates and uses evidence. For Australian policymakers and institutions, it offers the chance to be part of something transformative, while addressing real gaps in our own backyard. Together, we can future-proof Australia’s evidence systems and help shape a world where better evidence leads to better decisions for all.
For more information on ESIC: https://evidencesynthesis.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ESE/overview?mode=global
