Department of Health
Historically, sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics or sexual orientation has not been considered in health and medical research. As a result, research does not represent the needs of all Australians. We are working with the NHMRC to change this.
From 2026, the Statement on Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation in Health and Medical Research will be embedded in MRFF and NHMRC grant processes.
Grant opportunities that open after 1 January 2026 will require applicants to:
- consider sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics or sexual orientation in every stage of their research project
- describe how they have done this in their applications for funding.
You can learn about these changes at our webinar on 21 November 2025.
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