News
$50 million for a new childhood mental health research plan
The Australian Government will invest $50 million in the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Childhood Mental Health Research Plan. This investment will respond to the decline of mental health, and the rise of self-harm and eating disorders, in children.
To celebrate National Reconciliation Week, we ask First Nations health and medical research experts how we are closing the gap
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. First Nations health and medical research experts tell us what we have achieved and what more we can do to improve the health of their peoples.
Committee to advise on Medical Research Future Fund health technology assessment investments
The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Chairs Committee will advise on HTA investments under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Birthing healthy and strong babies on Country
Professor Yvette Roe leads a collaborative partnership that is transforming maternity care to promote the best start in life for First Nations children. The partnership is translating the successful Indigenous Birthing in an Urban Setting study into rural, remote and very remote settings.
Report on Medical Research Future Fund support for medical research and innovation
The Financial assistance to support the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2020–2022 report is now available.
Insights into the Medical Research Future Fund Coronavirus Research Response
Read about the research, researchers and institutions funded under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Coronavirus Research Response.
Priorities set for the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
The Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission Roadmap and Implementation Plan are now available. The Mission is an initiative of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$77 million for research into cardiovascular health, dementia and aged care and stem cell therapies
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $77 million are now available.
$50 million to support research in to Long COVID
The Australian Government has announced additional funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for research into post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). PASC is commonly known as Long COVID.
Report on Medical Research Future Fund funding for early to mid-career researchers
We have published a report on the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 2021 Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) grant opportunity.
A new patient-centred approach to caring for cancer survivors
Cancer survivors don’t always get the follow-up care they need, according to specialist cancer nurse Professor Raymond Chan. To fix this, Ray is trialling a new nurse-led clinic to coordinate shared care between hospitals and GPs. He hopes shared care will give survivors a better care experience.
Finding new drugs for depression in bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder are depressed for almost half their lives but there is no effective treatment. After searching drug profiles, psychiatrist Professor Michael Berk discovered the common high blood pressure drug candesartan could help. He is testing candesartan in a clinical trial.
Answering research administration officer and stakeholder questions about the Medical Research Future Fund
Read our responses to questions from research administration officers (RAOs) and other stakeholders relating to the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Principles for consumer involvement in research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund
The MRFF Consumer Reference Panel’s (CRP) Principles for consumer involvement in research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) are now available.
Performance indicators for measuring the impact of the Medical Research Future Fund
We have published a set of performance indicators for assessing the success and impact of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Responding to ethical issues in genetics research
Professor Dianne Nicol is passionate about talking to the community about ethical, legal and social issues in genetics research. We asked Dianne about becoming an expert in this field and the most urgent issues in genetics research today.
$382 million for nearly 200 ground-breaking medical research projects
The Australian Government is investing $382 million in nearly 200 medical research projects, including $32 million to improve First Nations health. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$15 million for research into mitochondrial disease
The Australian Government is investing $15 million for mitochondrial disease research. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Is human gene editing good for our health? A citizens’ jury speaks
Gene editing allows us to modify our genes. This can cure diseases. But it could also be used in the future to select for traits that give social or competitive advantages. Professor Nicol asked a citizens’ jury to decide under what circumstances we should allow human gene editing.
Upcoming health and medical research grant opportunities
You can now read about Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities forecast to open from April 2023.
$26 million for research to improve the health of LGBTIQA+ communities
The Australian Government will invest $26 million in health and medical research to improve treatment and care for LGBTIQA+ people. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$12.6 million for international clinical trials to support access to high-quality, evidence-based and effective health care
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2023 International Clinical Trial Collaborations grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
This clinical trial is testing a new cure for a deadly rare blood cancer
In 2018 Scott Griffiths developed a deadly rare blood cancer in his brain. He believed he was going to die. But a new precision medicine developed by his doctor Professor Maher Gandhi cured Scott. Maher is conducting a clinical trial to test if his new treatment works for other patients.
Engaging childhood brain cancer survivors
Over 90% of childhood brain cancer survivors develop life threatening and disabling health conditions after they finish cancer treatment. Engage is a consumer co-designed telehealth trial that helps these survivors manage their health and improve their quality of life.
Inviting all research administration officers to our next webinar
We invite all research administration officers (RAOs) to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) RAO Webinar at 2:00pm (AEDT) on 30 March 2023.
Learn about MRFF grant assessment processes at our next MRFF Webinar
We invite you to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Webinar at 2:00pm (AEDT) on 15 March 2023.
$6 million for research into antimicrobial resistance and reducing the incidence of hospital infections
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2023 Global Health grant opportunity from 27 March 2023. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$310.3 million for research to improve Australians' health, primary health care and research infrastructure
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $310.3 million are now available.
The Big Picture: Helping our medical researchers turn discoveries into products to improve our health
It takes time and money to turn a scientific discovery into a medical product ready for use. To help medical researchers along this road, in 2017 the MRFF began funding medical research commercialisation. The Big Picture asks what impact our funds are having.
Using big data to find the best health care for older Australians
Big data is giving us a whole picture of Australia’s ageing pathways for the first time. Professor Maria Inacio is working with this data from the Registry of Senior Australians. She aims to find the best aged care and health care services for older Australians.
Discovering an Australian antiviral drug for COVID-19
In 2020, 5 Australian research organisations with expertise in infectious diseases and 2 industry partners formed a consortium. Their aim: to produce an Australian antiviral drug for COVID-19. This research is growing Australia’s ability to discover, test, and manufacture antiviral drugs.
$400 million to help researchers pursue big ideas, develop new health and medical breakthroughs and apply them to clinical practice
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research grant opportunity from 13 February 2023. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$65 million for clinical trials to help people with rare illnesses and to support effective health interventions
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Clinical Trials Activity grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Funnel-web spider venom may provide a new drug for heart attacks
Blocked arteries cause heart attacks by reducing oxygen flow to the heart. Called ischemia, this leads to the death of heart cells. These injuries are permanent and can cause the heart to fail. A new drug could prevent this damage.
$8 million for research to help prevent mental illness and improve diagnosis and treatment
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Mental Health Research grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$38.5 million to support the rapid translation of research into clinical practice and quality health care
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Rapid Applied Research Translation grant opportunity from 9 January 2023. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
National DNA screening could save lives for people with high-risk hereditary disease gene variants
The DNA Screen study offers free DNA screening for high-risk hereditary disease gene variants to 10,000 young Australians. When the study launched it received national media coverage. Over 20,000 people registered in the first 3 days. We asked lead researcher Paul Lacaze what happened next.
Helping researchers plan for Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunities
You can now read about Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities that are forecast to open from February 2023.
Preventing age-related vision loss
Optometrist researcher Lauren Ayton is improving diagnosis and treatment pathways for patients with age-related vision loss.
Keeping young children, families, and educators safe during a health crisis
Early childhood educators have the right skills to prevent infectious diseases and communicate health information fast to families with young children. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff struggled to find relevant health information.
Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2022-2024 finalised
The Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2022-2024 came into effect on 6 November 2022. They are the fourth set of priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$27.8 million for research to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations people
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Indigenous Health Research grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Consultation on the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
Consultation on the Roadmap and Implementation Plan for the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission is now open.
Report on the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
Read about the review of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission.
Join our next Medical Research Future Fund webinar
We invite you to join us for our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) webinar at 1:30pm (AEDT) on 15 November 2022.
Refresh of assessment criteria for Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunities
Read about changes to the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) assessment criteria and what they mean for MRFF applicants.
$86 million for genomic, data infrastructure, and treatment and intervention research
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $86 million are now available.
$16.9 million for medical research and technology innovations
The Australian Government will invest $16.9 million to support the transition of 15 cutting-edge projects into clinical practice. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$5.4 million for brain cancer research
The Australian Government is providing more than $5.4 million to support ground-breaking brain cancer research. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$156 million to support innovative medical research
The Australian Government is investing $156.7 million in 93 innovative medical research projects to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Reducing the high rate of chronic kidney disease in First Nations communities
Indigenous-led research is using advanced multi-omics technology to reduce the high rate of chronic kidney disease in First Nations communities.
Acknowledging Medical Research Future Fund assessors
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Roll of Honour celebrates the people who contributed to the MRFF grant assessment process in 2021-2022.
Supporting bushfire responders after the fires
The largest ever pre- and post-bushfire fighters survey asks how the Black Summer fires in 2019-20 impacts their mental health. The results: we are better supporting professional bushfire fighters, but our volunteers need more help.
$31.5 million to boost support for COVID-19 research
The Australian Government is providing $31.5 million to support medical researchers to drive, and contribute to, global efforts to understand and treat COVID-19. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Consumer priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund
We asked members of our new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Consumer Reference Panel (CRP) about their top priorities.
Suicide prevention for boys and men
Boys and men are three times as likely to die by suicide in Australia than girls and women. The Buoy Project is testing seven different suicide prevention programs that target boys and men. The aim is to find out which programs might be most effective in reducing male suicide.
Australia’s unique, ultra-early surgery trial to minimise stroke damage caused by bleeding in the brain
Jenni trained in stroke research after her dad had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. She is Associate Investigator and consumer adviser on a trial designed to reduce loss of function in survivors of this kind of stroke.
Medical Research Future Fund webinar for research administration officers
We invite you to join us for the inaugural Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Research Administration Officer webinar at 2:00pm (AEST) on 4 August 2022.
Policy for varying a Medical Research Future Fund grant agreement
Read our policy for varying a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant agreement.
World-first discovery promises new therapy for injured or wasted muscle
Professor Peter Currie dedicated his research career to finding a treatment for incurable muscle injury and disease. In 2021 Peter’s research team published their discovery of a new biological substance needed for skeletal muscle healing. Peter thinks NAMPT could be the cure he’s been looking for.
Our Journey Our Story
Aboriginal-led research is implementing and evaluating the Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny (Steady Walking and Talking) co-design framework. The aim is to improve mental health services for Aboriginal young people.
Music therapy eHealth supporting people with dementia
A music therapist and a human-computer interaction expert help carers use music to calm people with dementia.
Using artificial intelligence to stop antibiotic resistant superbug outbreaks in our hospitals
The SuperbugAI Flagship is developing a hospital tracking and response system to detect superbugs. The system will also support personalised treatment to improve patient survival and control outbreaks sooner.
Improving the speed and accuracy of emerging genomic technologies
Dr Ira Deveson’s ultra-fast COVID sequencing workflow made global media headlines. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Ira’s new workflow reduced COVID variant sequencing time from one week to 4 hours. This allowed authorities to quickly trace the sources of infections and stop them from spreading.
Helping surgeons get all the cancer out the first time
New surgical probes will help surgeons to identify microscopic cancer tissue in real time. This ability to check they have removed all the cancer during the operation will reduce the need for repeat surgery.
Update on the proposed changes to the Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015
The Investment Funds Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (IFLA Bill 2021) has lapsed following the federal election announcement.
$15 million to support Mitochondrial disease research
The Australian Government will invest up to $15 million to determine the safety, efficacy and feasibility of implementing mitochondrial donation reproductive technology following the passing of Maeve’s Law.
Join our next Medical Research Future Fund webinar
We invite you to join us for our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) webinar at 10:30am on 12 April 2022.
Mental health experts to guide the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
A new expert advisory panel will guide research into mental health under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunity gender data
A report on Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunity gender data is now available.
Budget 2022-23: Investments in life-saving health and medical research
The Australian Government has announced investments in the Medical Research Future Fund and a new plan for biotechnology in Australia in the 2022-23 Budget.
Policy statement for Department of Health staff participating in activities funded by Medical Research Future Fund
Read our policy for Department of Health staff who participate in activities funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
World’s first lung scanner brings hope for people living with lung conditions
Funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has supported the development and commercialisation of the world’s first dedicated lung scanner.
Why assess MRFF grants? Our Roll of Honour members explain
Have you thought about participating in MRFF grant assessment committees? Read the experiences of our assessors and find out how to nominate.
Support for research to reduce pressure on emergency departments
The Australian Government will invest up to $24 million in research to improve acute care systems and reduce emergency department waiting times. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$21.8 million to turn medical research into better patient care
The Australian Government is investing more than $21 million to help turn vital medical research into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for patients.
$63.4 million for rare cancers and rare diseases research
The Australian Government has announced 27 grant recipients under the 2021 Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need (RCRDUN) grant opportunity.
$14.8 million for innovative mental health clinical trials
Seven clinical trials will share $14.8 million to test the use of combination therapies to treat debilitating mental illnesses. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$5.5 million for clinical trials to treat low-survival breast cancers
The Australian Government has announced Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) support for clinical trials to treat low-survival breast cancer.
Supporting early to mid-career researchers to tackle significant health challenges
The Australian Government is providing $42.8 million to help early to mid-career researchers find solutions to Australia’s greatest health challenges. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Medical Research Future Fund support for clinical trials of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics
A new Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunity will support Australian medical research and innovation projects to conduct trials of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
$276 million to support Australia’s brightest health scientists
To continue support for Australian health and medical research, the Australian Government is making available $276.4 million through 12 research grant opportunities. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Continuing Australia’s COVID-19 medical research response
The Australian Government has announced a $48 million investment into COVID-19 medical research as part of its ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Celebrating Medical Research Future Fund assessors
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Roll of Honour celebrates the people who have contributed to the MRFF grant assessment process since 2015.
Charting the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board’s direction for 2021-2026
The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) has determined its terms of reference and aims for 2021-2026.
Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-26 and the related Priorities
The Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-2026 sets out the vision, aim and strategic objectives of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The second strategy was registered on 8 November 2021.
$62 million in research grants to improve health care and practice
The Australian Government is supporting researchers to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians by accelerating research knowledge and outcomes into health care and practice. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Invitation to learn more about the Medical Research Future Fund
Registrations are open for the next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) webinar.
$30 million to support key areas of medical research
The Australian Government is investing up to $30 million in health and medical research to help bring ground-breaking discoveries to fruition. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund.
Supporting research to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) supports research projects that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Next steps for the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
A new expert advisory panel and evaluation are set to inform the future of the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission. The mission is an initiative of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$25 million to boost stem cell research in Australia
The Australian Government is boosting Australian led stem cell research through $25 million in grants. Funds are from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
New hope for Australians living with brain cancer
Australians living with the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer will be given new hope. Thanks to a patient-focused clinical trial for Australians with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
$90 million to help Australians live longer and healthier lives
The Australian Government is opening two medical research grant rounds, worth $90 million to help accelerate Australian-led genomics and cardiovascular research.
Improving the lives of Australians through health and medical research
The Australian Government is investing $9.2 million in 12 new health and medical research projects. Transforming their ideas into life-saving medicines, devices and treatments for the patients of the future.
$25.5 million to support research to improve the quality of life for Australians as they age
The Australian Government has announced $25.5 million for research aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of older Australians. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$4 million for traumatic brain injury research
The Australian Government has announced $4 million for traumatic brain injury research. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Have your say on the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities
Consultation is now open on the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-2026 and related Priorities.
Grant opportunity to improve digital frontline health care
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is supporting research projects using the latest digital and mobile technology to improve primary health care delivery.
Funding boost for research into COVID-19 treatments
The Australian Government has announced $5 million for research into a new, effective and safe antibody treatment to combat COVID-19. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
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