NHMRC is investing almost $280 million to support 190 innovative projects that address specific questions in medical research that contribute to the improvement of human health.
The Ideas Grants scheme supports talented researchers, at all careers stages and across all areas of research, to pursue creative approaches from discovery through to implementation, to address specific research questions.
Successful grant recipients will be supported to undertake new and important research across a diverse range of health and medical challenges to deliver discoveries that improve the health of Australians.
Dr Christina Cortez-Jugo from The University of Melbourne will develop novel formulations of potent but toxic anticancer drugs to improve their safety and therapeutic effect, expanding treatment options for patients with aggressive blood cancers as a result.
Designed with end users, Professor Maria Kambanaros will work at Adelaide University to build an immersive virtual interactive platform to treat anomia or word finding difficulties patients experience after stroke.
Professor John Hooper of The University of Queensland will optimise a new approach to detect and then treat aggressive breast cancers by targeting a receptor that is enriched on the surface of breast cancer cells.
Flinders University researcher, Associate Professor Tamara Mackean will lead a project that supports First Peoples' health by promoting food sovereignty – the right to access traditional, healthy foods, with the goal of empowering communities, preserving Indigenous food knowledge, and challenging colonial views on health and nutrition.
Further information on the 2025 Ideas Grants projects can be downloaded on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds webpage.
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh:
- “Innovation in health and medical research is the driving force behind so many past discoveries that have helped shape our healthcare system.
- “By empowering our researchers to pursue their bold ideas and collaborate with others, we strengthen the sector’s ability to tackle complex health challenges.
- “Congratulations to the researchers receiving funding today - supporting your research innovation ensures that our sector remains at the forefront of global progress, delivering better health outcomes for Australians.”