$136 million boost for clinical trials targeting rare diseases and prevention
06 Oct 2026
The funding comes through the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Clinical Trials Activity initiative, which helps Australian researchers and patients participate in clinical trials in Australia and overseas.
Clinical trials help researchers test how well treatments and therapies work. They also provide evidence that can help improve clinical care.
The 2026 Clinical Trials Activity grant opportunity will provide funding across four areas:
- testing whether new clinical trials for rare cancers, rare diseases and unmet health needs are practical
- running clinical trials to treat or manage rare cancers, rare diseases and unmet health needs
- conducting trials to address evidence gaps in Australia’s health technology assessment processes and support effective, high-value care
- running prevention trials focused on reducing the risk, onset or progression of disease through early intervention.
The MRFF’s Clinical Trials Activity initiative supports research into conditions where current diagnosis or treatment options may not work well for patients.
Researchers can visit GrantConnect and the MRFF grant opportunities calendar for information about this and other funding opportunities.
$136 million boost for clinical trials targeting rare diseases and prevention
Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing