Health minister Mark Butler has announced $156.7 million in new medical research grants, including significant grants for research focused on cardiovascular disease, genomics and stem cell therapies.
The grants are being made under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Mr Butler announced the support will go to a diverse range of projects, including using stem cells to boost the body’s ability to heal, partnering with communities to improve culturally sensitive care for First Australians and improving COVID vaccination rates, surviving heart attacks, reducing strokes and new treatments for pneumonia and golden-staph infections.
In addition to $33.6 million for 41 projects for projects focused on cardiovascular health, $56 million will support 20 in genomics, $11.5 million for 11 Indigenous-led projects, and $24.4 million for seven involving stem cell therapies.
“Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in Australia. This research will support our world-class scientists to reduce the number of Australians affected by these diseases," said Mr Butler.
“The Albanese Government backs our researchers to advance the frontier of medical science and ensure that all Australians benefit from the latest treatments now and in the future.”