NHMRC is committed to global health research and international collaboration.
The health and wellbeing of Australians is connected to the health of our neighbours and the world. Global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance and climate-related health threats, cannot be solved in isolation. They require coordinated international research responses and contribution to global scientific networks.
Across NHMRC’s grant program, we invest in high-quality research and researchers to help achieve our mission to build a healthy Australia and in doing so, contribute to the health and wellbeing of all nations.
NHMRC is the largest funder of global health research in Australia. Between 2017 and 2023, NHMRC invested $6.1 billion in health and medical research. Of this, approximately $1.2 billion has supported global health research in areas such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health and Indigenous health, wellness and equity. This investment increased during COVID-19 and has remained consistent since.1
The NHMRC International Engagement Strategy guides these investments through four priorities:
- collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region,
- shared global health challenges,
- researcher capability and impact, and
- access to international networks and resources.
We participate in major global research networks and invest in the highest quality research and researchers across NHMRC’s grant program and through bilateral and multilateral collaborations with international funders.
NHMRC acknowledges the international research funding landscape has changed. Major shifts in financial support puts health priorities in our region at risk. In response, NHMRC remains even more committed to funding high-quality research that addresses shared health challenges and areas of emerging importance. We will continue to ensure our funding can be utilised for grant activities conducted overseas that are essential to achieving successful research outcomes and will maintain our high standards in peer review to continue supporting Australian researchers collaborating with their international peers. We will maintain our existing partnerships and foster new opportunities with international funders and research networks. We remain committed to being a world-leader in the highest quality global health research.
By supporting research that improves health equity and addresses shared challenges, we advance our mission to build a healthy Australia and contribute to a healthier world.
Professor Steve Wesselingh
Chief Executive Officer
National Health and Medical Research Council
1 Mapping the Australian landscape for global health research – Australian Global Health Alliance
