Medical Research Future Fund boosts First Nations health research

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is actively investing in health research that will benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Learn more in our latest report.

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General public

The MRFF recognises the need to support health research led by, and for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This commitment reflects a culturally centred and rights-based approach to research that is anchored in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

The MRFF Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and researchers has found that:

  • from 2017 to September 2025, the MRFF invested $436 million in 209 grants focused on Indigenous health
  • funding has grown rapidly, starting from $0.6 million in 2017 and reaching $98.6 million by 2024.

A significant portion of the 209 grants involve Indigenous leadership and collaboration:

  • Indigenous researchers lead 31.6% of the grants
  • 80.3% include at least one Indigenous researcher as part of the team.

This focus on Indigenous involvement ensures that research is relevant and beneficial to the communities it aims to serve.

Read the report to learn about:

  • MRFF investments and other funding insights
  • facilitators and barriers to Indigenous health research
  • real-life examples of how MRFF investment is making a difference. A series of ‘impact stories’ highlight research led by Indigenous researchers and projects co-designed with Indigenous Elders, communities and organisations.

Explore the MRFF.

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