Date published:
Audience:
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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and collaboration:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers lead 31.6% of the grants
- 80.3% include at least one Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher as part of the team.
This focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research
- real-life examples of how MRFF investment is making a difference. A series of ‘impact stories’ highlight research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and projects co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, communities and organisations.
Explore the MRFF.