$430 million to power the next generation of Australian health and medical researchers

The Australian Government investing almost $430 million to support the nation's highest performing scientists to tackle some of Australia’s greatest health challenges.

Delivered through the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Investigator Grants scheme, researchers right across Australia will deliver new knowledge and innovations that will improve lives, enhance healthcare and contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy for all Australians.

One researcher receiving funding is Dr Jane Chalmers, from Adelaide University, who will conduct research to improve outcomes for women living with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common but debilitating condition affecting more than 800,000 Australian women. Endometriosis severely impacts the lives of people with the condition because of devastating pelvic pain. However, current treatment options are lacking.

Dr Chalmer’s research will focus on pain education and self-management, to improve outcomes and support more sustainable, long-term care.

The research will develop and test a conservative management approach to endometriosis, including elements such as pain science education and self-management, Importantly, it will be co-designed with people with endometriosis and GPs, to make sure it is optimised for those living with endometriosis and the doctors who are often the first point of contact for someone with ongoing pelvic pain.

This is one of 234 outstanding research projects that will share in this landmark investment to tackle some of Australia's greatest health challenges – from the most aggressive forms of breast cancer to recovery after critical illness.

The Investigator Grant scheme is NHMRC's largest funding scheme and plays a critical role in supporting the Australian health and medical research sector.

Grants are awarded for a 5-year term, providing the sustained, flexible support that enables researchers to pursue ambitious, long-term scientific goals.

Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page. 

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

"Australia has some of the brightest medical minds in the world, and the Albanese Government is determined to back them.

"The funding we're announcing today represents the kind of bold, patient-centred science this country needs.

“This is research that will change lives and will give patients and their families real hope.

"Investing in health and medical research isn't just the right thing to do for patients – it's the right thing to do for our economy and the future for all Australians.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Chalmers, Adelaide University:

“Management strategies for endometriosis still focus on surgical and medical treatments, but these options often don’t reduce pain.

“Learning more about the science of pain and how to appropriately self-manage has shown to reduce pain in other conditions like low back pain.

“This project will look to design and test an intervention to help people with endometriosis understand more about the science of pelvic pain and how it can be managed conservatively.

“By working together with people with endometriosis as well as GPs, we can ensure that the management approach we develop is fit for purpose.”

Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:
 
"The calibre of researchers funded through this year's Investigator Grants round is extraordinary.

"These are scientists who are not just asking important questions – they're developing answers that will genuinely transform how we understand, prevent, diagnose and treat disease.

"One of the things I'm most proud of with this round is the breadth of career stages represented. We're investing in established leaders who are at the peak of their field, and in the next generation of emerging researchers who will shape Australian health and medical research for decades to come.”