Research Missions bring together researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, industry and other groups to work on major health challenges through large-scale research programs.

The evaluation looked at progress made under the Research Missions theme, its contribution to the wider goals of the MRFF and its place within Australia’s and the international research funding landscape.

The report found that between 2015 and July 2025:

• Research Missions funded more than $960 million in grants.
• The median grant was $1.14 million.
• Funding reached organisations across every Australian state and territory.
• Victorian lead organisations received the largest share of funding, totalling $359.96 million.
• Research Missions supported lead organisations in regional, rural and remote areas more than any other MRFF research theme.
• Funded research directly addressed 5 of the 6 major areas of disease burden.
• 49% of grantees had either translated their research into policy and practice or were working towards doing so.

The evaluation also identified areas where the Research Missions could improve, including moving towards larger and longer-term grants.

The findings will help guide future decisions about individual Research Missions and the broader Research Missions theme as its initial 10-year period comes to an end. The findings will also contribute to future decisions about the MRFF.

MRFF review highlights progress and future opportunities for Research Missions

Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Evaluation of the MRFF Research Missions theme.