Over $200 million announced for Australian medical research

The Australian Government has announced a $197 million investment in world-leading medical research projects to improve the lives of patients, as well as $5 million to improve access to cutting-edge breakthroughs for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

A total of 326 medical research projects will be funded at a cost of more than $197 million under the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). This includes over $38 million for cancer research — the highest research priority — with mental health coming in second with around $29 million and cardiovascular disease third with almost $23 million. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and injury support both hover around the $15 million mark.

In addition, the government is providing $5 million to CanTeen under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Accelerated Research program. The investment in the charity is expected to facilitate new clinical trials into cancer types with the highest death rates for adolescents and young adults.

Finally, 13 fellowships have been allocated $5.64 million under the MRFF Next Generation Clinical Researcher Fellowship program, which supports Australia’s up-and-coming research talent. These grants will increase clinical research capacity in the health and medical research workforce, providing greater opportunities for more breakthroughs.