Latest news and stories
NHMRC Media
Older editions of Tracker, Media releases and RAOs are available on the National Library's Australian Government Web Archive.
$10 million boost to support the next generation of health and medical researchers
A $10 million funding boost will support the next generation of health and medical researchers to increase research capacity within Australia through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Postgraduate Scholarship scheme.
$274 million invested to boost innovative research
Two hundred and twenty-three innovative and creative projects will share in $274 million to address specific questions in health and medical research from discovery to implementation through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Ideas Grants scheme.
Speaking of science: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes community awareness, understanding and acceptance of the estimated 1.3 billion people with disability worldwide and to celebrate their achievements.
Almost $6 million to support Australian participation in international collaborative research
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is investing almost $6 million to support Australian participation in leading international collaborative research that focuses on health issues that span Australia and the East Asian region.
New NHMRC Council to work closely with Australian Medical Research Advisory Board
The Australian Government has announced the membership of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Council for the 2024–2027 triennium.
Speaking of science: Emerging international trends in sex and gender science with Dr Cara Tannenbaum
When it comes to individual health and wellbeing, differences between sex and gender matter and the more consideration that we give to these differences, the more we can improve health outcomes for everyone.
Over $3 million investment to tackle global antimicrobial resistance
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is taking strides to address significant global health threats by investing over $3 million into international collaborative research aiming to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Centering Indigenous research excellence now and into the future
NHMRC is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through funding research of the highest quality, integrity and excellence. We also encourage applications across our grant funding program that address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Speaking of Science: Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Professor Belinda Parker
Did you know that breast cancer is the second most common cancer to cause death in women? In Australia, 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Public consultation now open
NHMRC is an independent statutory agency and Australia’s leading experts on health and medical research and providing the Australian community with health advice based on the best available scientific evidence.
At the intersection of science and art
There’s an area of health and medical research, where scientific discoveries are made and are accompanied by artistic imagery that holds both aesthetic power and major promise for further breakthroughs. This area lies at the intersection of science and art.
Speaking of Science: SOLVEing Coronary Heart Disease with Professor Julie Redfern
Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one killer.
On a national scale, coronary heart disease is the leading single cause of disease burden in Australia and causes 11% of all deaths, sparking a real need to make transformative improvements in cardiovascular health management for all Australians.
$50 million for transformative multidisciplinary health and medical research
Ten outstanding and versatile research teams have collectively been awarded $50 million to support them in working together to address major problems in human health under the NHMRC’s 2024 Synergy Grants scheme.
Final Report for MREA grants
NHMRC has revised the questions in its Final Report for Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) grants to obtain better visibility of the personnel supported by, and research outputs, outcomes and impacts generated from, NHMRC grants. Please see the Download section for an example of the Final Report.
Recognising translational research into improved clinical care
Expertise in translating health and medical research into improved health care in regional and rural areas has been recognised through a newly accredited Research Translation Centre in western Victoria, now one of 12 accredited centres nationally.
Unified responses to youth substance use and mental disorders
Australia, like many other countries, is facing increasing rates of mental disorders and substance use. Globally, substance use, depression and anxiety disorders are among the leading causes of disease burden in young people. Yet they are treated in isolation, stalling discovery, prevention and treatment.
Upskilling gynaecology surgeons for better, less invasive surgical procedures and happier patients
Hysterectomy is the most common major gynaecological procedure Australian women will require in their lifetimes. Yet, up to 2 in 10 patients have developed severe complications following outdated open surgery.
$60 million in funding announced for new Centres of Research Excellence
An investment of $60 million will support researchers to pursue collaborative research that aims to improve health outcomes by translating health and medical research into policy and/or practice funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) scheme.
Speaking of Science: Synthetic Biology (designer cells and antibodies) with Professor Shalin Naik
National Science Week is an annual celebration that promotes and encourages interest in STEMM and acknowledges the contributions of Australian scientists to our ever-growing world of knowledge.
In this Speaking of Science webinar held during National Science Week (10 August – 18 August 2024), we were joined by the inspirational cell biologist and Laboratory Head at WEHI and the University of Melbourne, Professor Shalin Naik. Professor Naik is well versed in communicating complex science concepts across to the public in more simple ways where possible, and without belittling the important work that underlies it. In this webinar, he did just that!
$3.7 million boost to support health and medical research translation
Australia’s capacity for health and medical research translation is receiving a $3.7 million funding boost to help improve public health policy and service delivery.
$45.1 million investment for collaborative research partnerships
Eleven Australian health and medical researchers will receive a share in over $45 million to undertake ground-breaking collaborative research through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Partnership Project scheme.
Child’s play: Preventing and controlling infectious diseases to stay healthy
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services - 6th edition (Staying healthy), a best-practice resource that provides simple and effective ways for education and care services to help limit the spread of infectious diseases among children.
$3.7 million funding boost for infection prevention and control in aged care
Four exceptional research teams will share in over a $3.7 million funding boost under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Improving infection prevention and control in residential aged care homes 2023.
Novel vaccines to prevent hearing loss lead to learning and life outcomes
Almost all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in remote areas have ear problems that start from within weeks of birth. For many, otitis media (‘glue ear’) leads to hearing loss and devastating learning and life outcomes.
Speaking of Science: International Research Translation Practice
Knowledge gained through research underpins improvements in Australia's health and medical services. This research can be fundamental or can be applied, directly addressing clinical problems, public policy, quality of life and environmental health issues or the provision of health services.
Clear line of sight to solving irreversible vision loss
As a practising optometrist, Associate Professor Zhichao Wu realised there was a big problem diagnosing glaucoma. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss that is projected to cost Australia $4.3 billion per annum by 2025.
$7 million to target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Five expert research teams will share in an investment of $7 million in funding to support targeted health and medical research into the commercial determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Research Excellence: Structure, function, and modulation of peptide hormone G protein-coupled receptors
Professor Patrick Sexton is the Professor of Pharmacology at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and is the Director at the ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins. Professor Sexton is a leader in progressing our understanding of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly allosteric modulation and biased agonism, and applying cryo-EM to study structure and dynamics of GPCRs. He is a Clarivate Analytics highly cited researcher and an elected Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS). Professor Sexton is also the co-founder of Septerna Inc and DACRA Tx and has been the recipient of many awards for his scientific contributions that have had major impacts on biological chemistry research.
Celebrating a 25-year legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research with NHMRC
Professor Yvonne Cadet-James, the pioneering researcher, academic, mentor, registered nurse and midwife is celebrating a 25-year legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research at the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Research Excellence: Advancing health equity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
Associate Professor Odette Pearson is of Eastern Yalanji and Torres Strait Islander descent and coleads the Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Her research focus is improving chronic disease and ageing outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through policy and guideline development and implementing and evaluating real world health and social interventions. Aboriginal leadership, governance and community and cross sector partnerships are foundations of her research. A/Prof Pearson has received the Lowitja Institute Patricia Anderson Leader in Aboriginal Research (2023), UniSA Alumini Award for Research in Aboriginal Health (2022) and The Diane Ranck, SAHMRI award for Leadership in Research (2022).
Driving a new era in Australian health and medical research
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) will work more closely under a new structure announced today.
Speaking of Science: International Men’s Health Week
For the 30th anniversary of International Men’s Health Week (10–16 June 2024), NHMRC shined an important light on key issues impacting the health and wellbeing of Australian men and boys, focusing on the 3 pillars of health: physical, mental and emotional.
Research Excellence: Developing novel gene expression control mechanisms for ALS gene therapies
Professor Roger Chung is the Professor of Neurobiology and Neurochemistry, and Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences at Macquarie University. Professor Chung’s research employs a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin how neurons respond to injury or neurodegenerative disease, and how non-neuronal cells (glia) are involved in modulating this process. Professor Chung is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of CelosiaTX and also leads the Neurochemistry and Molecular Therapeutics Group within the Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research.
NHMRC update on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by developing the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (the Guidelines). These guidelines serve as a crucial resource for water regulators and suppliers, offering comprehensive advice on monitoring and managing drinking water quality across Australia.
Research Excellence: Driving the transition to high value testing to benefit the health of all
Professor Katy Bell is a clinical epidemiologist and health services researcher at the Sydney School of Public Health. Professor Bell’s research evaluates the clinical effectiveness of healthcare, with a focus on medical tests used for screening, diagnosis and monitoring chronic disease. She is an NHMRC Fellow, and a member of the Medical Services Advisory Committee Evaluation Sub-Committee which critically assesses the evidence supporting applications for new listings on the Medical Benefits Scheme. The quality and impact of Professor Bell’s work has been recognised by awards including a Robinson Fellowship through the University of Sydney (2023) and an Australasian Epidemiological Association Mid-Career Researcher Professional Development Prize (2022).
Australian innovators create superior surgical screws for orthopaedic surgeries
Not all orthopaedic implants are created equal. Surgeons repair bone fractures using metal plates and screws but sometimes the screws loosen and the surgery needs to be repeated. Previous expandable screws increased screw fixation strength but were more difficult (or impossible) to remove and increased surgery time.
Research Excellence: Strengthening the evidence base for suicide prevention
Professor Jane Pirkis is the Director of the Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne. With a background in public health, Professor Pirkis has worked in the area of suicide prevention for over 25 years, contributing to knowledge about which interventions are effective in preventing suicide. Professor Pirkis’s work has also emphasised media-based interventions and interventions that involve restricting access to means of suicide. Professor Pirkis is the recipient of The University of Melbourne’s Marles Medal (2021) and is also the recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award at the University of Tasmania (2017) and has received a Lifetime Research LIFE Award through Suicide Prevention Australia (2010).
Speaking of Science: Unlocking the power of Indigenous co-design and intervention: Transformative outcomes through authentic collaboration
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can join the national efforts towards achieving national reconciliation.
In this Speaking of Science webinar held during National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June 2024), we were joined by distinguished researcher and Indigenous leader, Professor Maree Toombs (Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in the University of New South Wales School of Population Health) who walked us through an incredibly moving presentation.
Research Excellence: A new paradigm for how APOE genotype affects brain lipid homeostasis and dementia risk
Professor Anthony Don is Professor of Medical Biochemistry in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney. His team develops and applies advanced mass spectrometry methods to investigate how alterations to brain lipid metabolism with ageing lead to dementia, develop neuroprotective therapeutics, and discover new biomarkers for demyelinating diseases. His research has uncovered deficits in lipid metabolism that destabilise myelin in the course of normal ageing and early in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. He also developed and coordinates the popular masters-level unit of study, Advances in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment.
Redefining resilience research for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents
It is well known that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ conceptions of health and wellbeing and life experiences differ vastly from mainstream populations.
Research Excellence: Novel interventions to treat and cure acute and chronic viral infections
Professor Sharon Lewin is the Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at the University of Melbourne. Her research has focused on strategies to achieve an HIV cure, enhancing clinical outcomes for people living with HIV and hepatitis B and the identification of novel treatments for COVID-19. She is internationally known for her development of laboratory models to study HIV latency and for leading innovative early phase clinical trials aimed at reversing HIV latency. Professor Lewin has received Melburnian of the Year (2014), the Peter Wills Medal from Research Australia (2015), Officer of the Order of Australia (2019), and Medal for Outstanding Female Researcher by the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (2022).
Research Excellence: Pioneering Early Cancer Detection through Nanotechnology
Dr Jiayan Liao is a dedicated researcher specialising in the field of nanotechnology, nanomedicine, biomedical engineering, and their applications in medical diagnostics. Dr Liao’s research focuses on developing innovative diagnostic tools for early cancer detection, leveraging photonics, fluorescent nanoprobes, and artificial intelligence for precise detection of single-molecule biomarkers in diseases and cancers. Dr Liao is contributing to the advancement of diagnostic methodologies and technologies, aiming for non-invasive, early detection methods to improve patient outcomes.
Budget 2024–25
The Budget 2024–25, delivered on 14 May 2024, confirms the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting health and medical research and its translation into new health treatments and technologies to improve the health of the Australian community.
Research Excellence: Solving Australia's Hypertension Treatment Problem
Professor Alta Schutte, SHARP Professor and Principal Theme Lead of Cardiac, Vascular and Metabolic Medicine at the University of New South Wales and The George Institute for Global Health, focuses on implementing effective scalable interventions for global blood pressure control. Appointed Co-Chair of the National Hypertension Taskforce in 2022, she was recognised in 2023 as the Leading Researcher in Vascular Medicine by The Australian. Notably, she received the 2022 Harriet Dustan Award from the American Heart Association and the 2023 Peter Sleight Excellence award from the World Hypertension League. Her impactful work extends to improving cardiovascular health in Australia and beyond.
Over $77 million in funding to be shared in national clinical trials and cohort studies
High-quality national clinical trials and cohort studies aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians will receive over $77 million in funding under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies grant scheme.
Life-giving oils: low omega-3 fatty acid linked to early preterm birth and lower brain development
Preterm birth occurs in approximately 1 in 10 infants globally. It causes about three-quarters of near-birth deaths and more than half of newborn deaths.
A $411 million commitment for researchers to bring their discoveries to life
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) continues to invest in our nation’s health and medical research sector, with over $411 million awarded to 229 outstanding researchers to investigate Australia’s greatest health challenges.
Uncovering the deep, dark secrets of pathogen genomes to save lives
Professor Ben Howden, from the University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute, is a renowned clinician researcher whose dedicated focus on public health microbiology, genomics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has impacted thousands of lives.
Over $15 million for research collaborations to tackle healthcare policies and practice
With the announcement of 12 collaborative health and medical research projects today, Australian researchers are set to improve the translation and delivery of collaborative research outcomes into healthcare policy and practice.
A $5 million boost into furthering the quality and safety of telehealth
Six expert teams will share in over $5 million in funding to stimulate research into ensuring the quality and safety of telehealth, and its potential to achieve positive health outcomes under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Ensuring the quality and safety of telehealth 2023.