A grants program has been launched by the Department of Health to encourage Australian researchers to develop innovative new solutions to the nation’s most pressing health issues.
Announced by the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, the two-year Investigator Grants scheme is to be funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and will support projects and studies that deliver medical discoveries with the potential to save lives.
Mr Hunt said the grants were targeted at early and mid-career researchers who could demonstrate experience turning research into positive outcomes for patients.
“The Government is seeking to support translational research projects that examine high priority issues such as brain cancer, mental and cardiovascular health, genomics and stem cell therapies, healthy ageing, and Indigenous health,” Mr Hunt said.
“Researchers investigating other priority areas such as primary, preventive, and public health, including global health threats, will also be eligible to apply for funding.”
He said the initiative would encourage researchers to stay in Australia and develop their careers, strengthening the nation’s translation of health and medical research to benefit patients.
“The plan is underpinned by four key themes — patients, researchers, translation and missions,” Mr Hunt said.
“This includes $191 million to support clinical researchers through initiatives such as the MRFF Investigators Grants program.”
The Minister said applications would open on 2 October and close on 27 November.
