MRFF Strategy and Priorities

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Strategy and Priorities inform where the Australian Government directs its research funding. The Health Minister takes into account the MRFF Strategy and Priorities when deciding how to use the fund's money.

An independent group of experts called the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) sets the MRFF Strategy and Priorities. They do this in accordance with MRFF legislation.

AMRAB carries out national consultations before setting the MRFF Strategies and Priorities. This makes sure that they focus on the best areas for future research.

The Government takes the MRFF Strategy and Priorities into account when deciding which projects to fund. AMRAB does not decide which projects will receive MRFF funds.

See our MRFF 2nd 10-year Investment Plan to see how we are applying the MRFF Strategy and Priorities to initiatives that make a difference to Australians' health.

MRFF Strategy

AMRAB sets the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy every 5 years. It takes into account Australia's health needs and areas that need greater investment.

The strategic objectives for 2021-26 for the MRFF to deliver are:

• equitable health outcomes through research-informed preventive health and health care across the spectrum from primary to tertiary care
• health and economic benefits from transformative and innovative research through translation of outcomes into policy and practice, and commercialisation of new diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive health interventions
• a skilled and sustainable health and medical research workforce with expertise in research translation, innovation, and commercialisation
• a health and medical research sector and health system positioned to respond to emerging and future challenges.

MRFF Priorities

Following a national consultation, AMRAB sets the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities every 2 years. 

In line with the MRFF funding principles, the Government considers which initiatives will reduce burden of disease, provide practical benefits, or deliver the best value for money. The Australian Government takes the Priorities into account when making funding decisions.

The Priorities for 2022-2024 are:

• consumer-driven research
• research infrastructure and capability
• translation and commercialisation
• comparative effectiveness research
• preventive and public health research
• primary care research
• health and medical researcher capacity and capability
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• priority populations
• antimicrobial resistance
• global health and health security
• health impacts from environmental factors
• data, digital health and artificial intelligence.

Priorities that are no longer in force can be found on the Federal Register of Legislation.

The Strategy and Priorities determine how the government chooses to use MRFF funding.