Medical research
Australian medical research has been responsible for many medical breakthroughs, such as penicillin, the bionic ear and grey scale ultrasound imaging. Find out what we’re doing to support medical researchers in Australia.
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Medical research in Australia
Medical research helps to improve the health of Australians by developing new medicines, treatments and devices.
Australian medical research is among the best in the world. Australia’s proud history includes our role in the development of penicillin as an antibiotic, and medical breakthroughs such as the bionic ear, grey scale ultrasound imaging, spray-on skin, the cervical cancer vaccine and more.
There are many research centres in Australia, some of which are recognised as centres of excellence.
What we’re doing about medical research
We administer the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), an ongoing research fund set up by the Australian Government in 2015. Researchers can apply for funding opportunities that are advertised every year.
The MRFF is already supporting many research initiatives.
Its advisory board regularly consults the public and reviews the strategy and priorities to make sure the research is addressing Australia’s needs.
We also work with other agencies on research such as the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Key strategy
Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy
The Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-2026 sets out the vision, aim and strategic objectives of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Initiatives and programs
Medical research initiatives
The MRFF supports a wide range of research initiatives to improve the health of Australians.
Related legislation
Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015
This Act sets out how the fund can be used and the rules that govern it.
Resources
Why medical research matters for Australians
Professor Ian Frazer AC (Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board) talks about the Medical Research Future Fund and how it is contributing to Australia's health.
Support services
Innovation and Science Australia (ISA)
Innovation and Science Australia (ISA) is an independent board, responsible for providing strategic whole-of-government advice on all science, research and innovation matters
GrantConnect contact
GrantConnect is the Australian Government's grants information system. It is a central source of information about current and forecast Australian Government grant opportunities, and grants that have been awarded.
Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) contact
The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) advises the Health Minister on prioritising spending from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Government agencies we work with
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funds high quality health and medical research to build research capability, support researchers, encourage the translation of research into better health outcomes and promote the highest ethical standards for health and medical research.
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Contact the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).