NHMRC is investing $66 million into 22 new centres of research excellence, collectively aiming to improve health outcomes and promote or improve translation of research into policy and practice.
Announced under NHMRC’s Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) 2026 grant opportunity, the CRE scheme provides support for teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in basic science research, clinical research, health services research and public health research.
One researcher, Professor James Smith of Flinders University, will lead ‘WellMen’: Centre for the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Boys and Men.
Professor Smith and his team are aiming to improve the mental health and wellbeing of boys and men in Australia by working with them to develop new strategies to promote mental health at critical life stages and in places where they feel most comfortable (e.g. schools, sports clubs and online).
Fifteen-year-old Daya(nandan) Manivannan from Victoria said too many young men in Australia still feel like they must struggle in silence.
“This investment is important because it proves our wellbeing is a priority, and it paves the way for a mental health system where no young guy gets left behind,” said Daya(nandan).
Peter Susanto (19) from the Northern Territory said investing in ‘WellMen’ does not just mean delivering crucial research to support evidence based, localised and sustainable solutions for creating well men - the ripple effect of boys and men living productive, healthy and peaceful lives benefits the entire community.
The project will also lead to developing, supporting and growing the boys' and men's mental health promotion workforce.
“Having professionals across different sectors collaborate on WellMen is a massive step forward as it gives young guys across Australia confidence that the health system is finally evolving to design support networks that actually work for us in daily life,” said Daya(nandan).
WellMen will be supported by a range of industry partners including the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, The Man Cave and Deadly Male.
Read more about WellMen and the 21 additional projects receiving funding on NHMRC’s website.
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:
“Health and medical research have the power to change lives by building the evidence we need to improve health outcomes for people across Australia.
“Through NHMRC’s Centre of Research Excellence scheme, we are supporting high quality, collaborative research that can be translated into better policy, practice and care.
“This investment will help build the skills, partnerships and research workforce needed to respond to priority health challenges, such as men’s and boys’ mental health and deliver lasting benefits for the community.”
Quotes attributable to CRE Director, Professor James Smith:
“WellMen intentionally brings together researchers, health professionals, policymakers, industry partners and consumers to co-design mental health research priorities that are critical for advancing boys and men’s mental health and wellbeing in Australia.
“WellMen represents a critical milestone in men’s mental health research in Australia, with significant potential to shape mental health promotion and prevention investments that are appropriately tailored to the needs of boys and men, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.
“WellMen provides critical infrastructure to invest in the next generation of men’s mental health researchers in Australia, including stronger national and international research partnerships and co-ordination.”