$160 million to grow NSW’s medical research sector

30 December 2024

​Significant breakthroughs in medical research are now a much better chance of being made in NSW with recipients of the Minns Labor Government's flagship $160 million Medical Research Support Program announced today.

The program supports eligible independent institutes across NSW to strive for excellence in health and medical research by funding the indirect costs of research, such as equipment and staff.

The 2024-2028 funding round administered by NSW Health's Office for Health and Medical Research, will support 13 institutes to continue to deliver world class medical research.

It was announced by Minister for Medical Research David Harris during a visit to grant recipient Black Dog Institute.

This funding is essential for recipient institutes to continue their important work, including:

  • transforming clinical care for depression and anxiety by the Black Dog Institute
  • advanced robotics and health technology at the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
  • development of a new gene therapy for the metabolic disorder OTC-deficiency ready for testing by the Children's Medical Research Institute.

The full list of recipients:

  • Black Dog Institute
  • Centenary Institute
  • Children's Cancer Institute
  • Children's Medical Research Institute
  • Garvan Institute of Medical Research
  • George Institute for Global Health
  • Heart Research Institute
  • Hunter Medical Research Institute
  • Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
  • Neuroscience Research Australia
  • Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
  • Westmead Institute for Medical Research
  • Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

 

More information on the MRSP can be found here: https://www.medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/medical-research-support-program/

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“I am proud to announce the recipients of the NSW Government's latest round of our flagship Medical Research Support Program, which will continue to support researchers in NSW to deliver world-class health and medical research.

“The program is critical to continue the sustainable growth of the high performing medical research sector in NSW.

“By supporting these institutes to continue their remarkable work, we will position NSW as a global leader in medical research and support our talented researchers to blaze a trail and make a real difference to people's lives."

Black Dog Institute Chief Scientist Prof Sam Harvey said:

“Research grants rarely cover the full cost of research, and without funding for indirect costs, Black Dog Institute and other research organisations would not be able to continue important work and make new discoveries to improve the health and quality of life of people in NSW.

“The funding has been instrumental in supporting critical mental health research at Black Dog Institute. Recently this has included clinical trials of new medications for treatment resistant depression.

“We commend the NSW Government for its continued commitment to fostering excellence in mental health research and for recognising the role research plays in building a healthier future for NSW."

Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research Director Prof Les Bokey AM said:

“The Ingham Institute strives to enhance quality of life for all in South-West Sydney through a strategic network of leading research groups and partnerships, impacting positively on the local community.

“None of this which be possible without this invaluable funding from the Medical Research Support Program."

Current as at: Monday 30 December 2024