Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is a $20 billion investment in the health of Australians. Funds support researchers to make the next big medical discoveries that will benefit all Australians. It represents the single largest boost to research funding in Australia’s history.

MRFF strategies are complementary but separate to those addressed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and are intended to complement other investments by state and territory governments, as well as the private sector.

Following a national consultation process involving community and sector participation, the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB), in conjunction with the federal government, released the 2018-2020 Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) priorities, which will guide and inform future government decisions.

MRFF strategic platforms

The MRFF plans to transform health and medical research through 6 strategic platforms:

1. Strategic and International Horizons: support stronger partnerships between researchers, healthcare professionals, governments and the community. This will help position Australia as a leader in significant global research, such as tackling antimicrobial resistance.
2. Data and Infrastructure: make better use of existing data and infrastructure to help improve our health and medical research.
3. Health Services and Systems: strengthen our health services and systems research to make healthcare more efficient and affordable.
4. Capacity and Collaboration: develop the skills of researchers and healthcare professionals and encourage collaboration across health and medical research disciplines and sectors.
5. Trials and Translation: support new and existing clinical trial networks to guide the development of new drugs and devices, new models of care, and improved clinical practice.
6. Commercialisation: Support researchers to find a commercial partner or investor to help turn their discoveries into every day realities.

Some funding disbursements are expected to be made through competitive grants processes and targeted calls administered by the Department of Health, NHMRC, or other independent bodies.

For strategic writing advice, contact Ed Hendriks, MRFF Development Manager.

Current opportunities

Coronavirus Research Response – Promising COVID-19 Vaccine Development Projects
Applications open: from 15 June 2020
Minimum data: N/A
Applications close: (Round 2 EOI) 11 November 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Clinical Trials Activity –2020 Rare Cancers, Rare Disease and Unmet Need COVID-19 Initiative
Applications open: from 20 August 2020
Minimum data: 9 September 2020
Applications close: 23 September 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Australian Brain Cancer Mission – 2020 Brain Cancer Survivorship 
Applications open: from 1 July 2020
Minimum data: N/A
Applications close: 20 October 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

International Clinical Trial Collaborations 
Applications open: 2 September 2020 
Minimum data: 28 October 2020 (round 1)
Applications close: 11 November 2020 (round 1)
Minimum data: 17 February 2021 (round 2)
Applications close: 3 March 2021 (round 2)
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Clinical Trials Activity – 2020 Rare Cancers, Rare Disease and Unmet Need (general round)
Applications open: from 2 September 2020
Minimum data: 28 October 2020
Applications close: 11 November 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Million Minds Mission – 2020 Mental Health Research
Applications open: from 2 September 2020
Minimum data: 28 October 2020
Applications close: 11 November 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research – 2020 Medicinal Cannabis Clinical Trials
Applications open: from 2 September 2020
Minimum data: 28 October 2020
Applications close: 11 November 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research – 2020 Silicosis Research
Applications open: from 2 September 2020
Minimum data: 28 October 2020
Applications close: 11 November 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks

Primary Health Care Research – 2020 Primary Health Care Research
Applications open: from 2 September 2020
Minimum data: 28 October 2020
Applications close: 11 November 2020
Contact: Research Support or for strategic advice Ed Hendriks