Medical Research Future Fund Grants (MRFF)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is a long-term investment by the Australian Government. It supports Australian health and medical research. The main goal is to improve lives, grow the economy, and make the health system more sustainable. The MRFF aims to transform health and medical research and innovation.

The fund’s capital is a long-term investment. It is valued at $24 billion. It provides a consistent source of funding for research that improves health outcomes, quality of life, and health system sustainability. The MRFF is a key part of the government’s plan for the health and medical industry.

The MRFF provides funding for various research activities. This includes discovery research, commercialisation, and translation of innovative ideas. It also helps improve health services.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Varies widely depending on the specific grant opportunity. Examples include $200,000 to $1 million for one stream and $2 million to $4 million for another.
• Application open and close dates: The MRFF has a calendar of grant opportunities. Application dates vary by grant. For example, some grants closed in July and August 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: A range of organisations can apply. This includes universities, medical research institutes, and corporations. State and territory governments can also apply.
• Required co-contributions: Some grant opportunities require co-contributions. Stream 3 of one grant opportunity required a cash co-contribution equal to or more than the requested MRFF funding.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia.

Priority Sectors

Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funds many areas. The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board sets the priorities. The priorities for 2024–2026 include:

• Consumer-driven research.
• Translation and commercialisation.
• Preventive and public health research.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
• Artificial intelligence and digital health.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Funding amounts are specific to each grant opportunity. For example, one grant had a stream with a maximum of $1 million and another with a maximum of $4 million.
• Categories or streams of funding: The MRFF is structured around four themes: patients, researchers, translation, and missions. Grants are offered under specific initiatives within these themes.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: This can vary from a few years to up to seven years.

Grant Amount in Total

The Medical Research Future Fund is a $24 billion long-term investment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation. This status is certified by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
• Eligible organisations include universities, medical research institutes, and incorporated corporations.
• Applicants must be incorporated in Australia.
• They must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Individuals, partnerships, and unincorporated associations are not eligible.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant funds direct research costs. This includes:

• Personnel salaries.
• Equipment.
• Contract expenses.
• Travel.
• Overseas expenditure (usually limited to 10% of total project costs).
• Other costs are outlined in the specific grant guidelines.

Assessment Process

MRFF grants are competitive. They are assessed by independent grant assessment committees. These committees include scientific experts, consumers, and industry experts. Evaluation criteria include:

• Project impact.
• Project methodology.
• The capacity, capability, and resources of the team.
• The overall value and risk of the project.

Recent Program Updates

The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board has set the MRFF Priorities for 2024–2026. A number of new grant opportunities have opened for 2025, with closing dates in July and August. The MRFF is also focusing on new areas, such as genomics research and increasing research inclusivity.

Application Tips

• Check the NHMRC website to ensure your organisation is an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation.
• Carefully read the guidelines for the specific grant you are applying for.
• Align your proposal with the current MRFF Strategy and Priorities.
• Provide a clear and detailed project plan and budget.
• Work with your organisation’s research administration officer to submit your application.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.