The MRFF Research Missions theme brings together researchers, health professionals, stakeholders, industry partners and patients to take on Australia's biggest health challenges. They are large programs of work with ambitious objectives. They allow researchers to think big.
We evaluated the Research Missions theme to assess its progress and contribution to MRFF goals. We also considered how Research Missions fit in the national and international research funding landscape.
The Evaluation of the MRFF Research Missions theme report found:
- between 2015 and July 2025, Research Missions funded more than grants worth over $960 million
- the median grant size was $1.14 million
- funding is reaching grantees in all states and territories, with Victorian lead organisations having received the most ($359.96 million)
- Research Missions are supporting lead organisations in regional, rural and remote locations more than any other MRFF research theme
- grantees are directly addressing 5 of the 6 major areas of disease burden
- 49% of grantees were working towards, or had, translated their research into policy and practice.
While progress has been made towards reaching Research Mission aims, there are several opportunities for improvement. This includes strategically shifting towards larger, longer-term grants.
This evaluation provides important evidence that will support future decisions about individual Research Missions and the Research Missions theme beyond their initial 10-year lifespan. It will also inform decisions on the MRFF more broadly.
We thank the independent Mission Evaluation Panel that guided this work for their participation.
We also acknowledge the many stakeholders who provided input through targeted and public consultations.
Read the Evaluation of the MRFF Research Missions theme.
Learn about MRFF monitoring, evaluation and learning and our MRFF Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Strategy.
