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Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)

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The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is an initiative of the Australian Government (Commonwealth).

It was established under the Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015. It is a $20 Billion capital fund, from which the earnings are used each year to fund medical research and medical innovation, with a primary focus on translatable or translational research.

The MRFF advertises a diverse range of short-term calls for strategic and collaborative research projects/translation projects. These calls are advertised to Flinders researchers through ResearchLink.

MRFF key streams

The MRFF is investing to supercharge the growth of our health and medical research, while fuelling jobs, economic growth and export potential. There are four key streams that MRFF funding is delivered under:

  • Patients
  • Researchers
  • Research missions
  • Research translation

MRFF strategy and priorities

Funding decisions under the MRFF are made by the Minister for Health, with guidance provided by Expert Advisory Board (AMRAB). AMRAB consults with the public to develop strategy and priorities for the MRFF.  The strategy covers a 5-year period, whilst the priorities are re-visited every 2 years. 

The Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2016–2021 sets out the vision, aims, objectives, impact measurement and strategic platforms of the MRFF. The current set of MRFF Priorities have been released to help guide future funding investments from the MRFF spanning the period 2018-2020.

MRFF initiatives

MRFF announces grant opportunities under initiatives as set out within the MRFF 10 Year Investment Plan. All open and Contestable rounds are advertised through GrantConnect, and are administered through either NHMRC, Business.gov.au, or relevant industry body.

The plan contains 20 initiatives under 4 themes. Click to find out more about each initiative’s purpose, goals, implementation plan, grant status, and contact information.

Patients

Research Missions

Researchers

Research Translation

MRFF at Flinders

A key feature of applications to MRFF grant opportunities is an emphasis on proposals including well developed collaborative teams, partnerships and consortia projects. Relationships with partners and collaborators is key to a successful MRFF grant and the development of these relationships must be well founded prior to forming an application.

The MRFF provides new avenues for Flinders' researchers to address important health and medical issues for Australia. It also provides researchers with an opportunity to leverage current strategic collaborations to address issues at scale and across the community.

Research Development and Support have a dedicated team working in the development of strategic research partnerships and commercialisation. If you feel that you have opportunities for collaboration and partnership within your research area, contact strategic partnerships and research commercialisation.

If you are interested in MRFF opportunities or have research that aligns with the Initiatives under the 10-Year Plan, please complete the MRFF Survey or contact the NHMRC Grants Team do discuss. To keep up to date on announcements relating to MRFF at Flinders and MRFF grant opportunities, visit ResearchLink and update your preferences on Research Professional.

 

Flinders University grant application investment

Applicants for MRFF Investigator Grants may receive support for external review of their application. Eligibility for support is completion and submission of an expression of interest (EOI), including an up-to-date CV provided three months in advance of the closing date. EOIs will be assessed against track record (publications and leadership) and likely knowledge gain and impact of the proposed research. Approval will be by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in consultation with the relevant Dean (Research).

Support may be in the form of a technical writer (internal or external), an external reviewer or impact consultant, or a combination of these.  Funding of up to a maximum of $12K per application will be available.

Substantial support for major bids led by Flinders University researchers is provided on a case-by-case basis proportional to the strength of the bid and the expected return of research funding to Flinders.

If you wish to develop such a bid, please first discuss with the relevant Dean (Research). The Dean (Research) should then discuss with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at least four months in advance of the closing date (excluding short turnaround MRFF opportunities).

MRFF in South Australia

The SA MRFF working group are working together to support our researchers to respond to health system needs and to increase health and medical research funding for South Australia.

On 1 October 2019 over 150 people attended the inaugural MRFF Information Session presented by Health Translation SA, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, SAHMRI and the Department of Innovation and Skills.

Applying, accepting and managing

Funding through the MRFF is administered by different organisations depending on the scheme, e.g. NHMRC, MTP Connect, Government departments of business and innovation. 

Funding calls under the MRFF often have short turnaround times and in many cases are one-off calls specific to the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities and health care needs of Australians. 

If you feel you meet the priority areas for MRFF funding then please do not hesitate to contact the NHMRC and Health grants team for assistance, the team can assist in with preparation of “shovel ready” applications.

MRFF grant recipients (announced and under contract) information is available at the MRFF website.

Get general information on the application process at Flinders.

Get general information on how to accept and manage funding at Flinders.

Need help?

Contact the Research Grants team for more information on MRFF at Flinders or to register your interest in collaborating with one of our expert researchers. 

08 8201 7972

nhmrc@flinders.edu.au

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Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042

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Last Updated: 09 Jun 2021
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