In 2011, the Australia Government set up a review to guide the future of health and medical research in Australia. Mr Simon McKeon AO, 2011 Australian of the Year, led the review.
The recommendations from the 2013 Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research – Better Health Through Research (McKeon Review) laid the foundations for the MRFF.
On 26 August 2015, the Australian Government established the MRFF to financially support medical research and innovation. Its aim is to transform health and medical research and innovation, to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to health system sustainability.
The MRFF is an endowment fund. Its net interest provides ongoing funding for medical research initiatives.
The MRFF stands apart from other government health and medical research funding because it:
- funds priority-driven research that meets national health needs
- focuses on commercialisation, translation and real-world impact
- is agile enough to address emerging health issues
- aims to contribute to Australia’s health system economically and sustainably
- empowers consumers to contribute to research at every stage.
A decade of investment
As at July 2025, the MRFF has provided:
- $4.2 billion for 1,695 grants through 240 grant opportunities
- 671 grants worth $1.2 billion for research led by women
- 197 grants worth $410.2 million for research that improves First Nations health and 165 grants worth $348.8 million for research led by First Nations researchers
- 197 grants worth $571.2 million for research that improves the health of regional, rural and remote communities.
A lifetime of impact
MRFF funding has led to lifesaving and life-changing treatments such as:
- an artificial heart that keeps patients alive until a donor heart transplant becomes available
- bionic glasses that give blind and visually impaired people a sense of sight through sound
- lightweight brain scanners that rapidly deliver pre-hospital stroke care by air and road ambulances
- a medical brain monitor that keeps patients optimally anaesthetised and pain free during surgery.
See a list of all MRFF grant recipients.
Looking ahead
A total $6.5. billion under the MRFF 3rd 10-year Investment Plan will see a continued commitment to supporting health and medical research in Australia. This includes building on previous MRFF investments, updating and refining programs and targeting investment in new and emerging health priorities.
What people have said about the MRFF
Contact
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