Australians are being asked to acknowledge the importance of supporting medical research on Wednesday 9 September, as medical research institutes (MRIs) from across the country unite for Australia’s first ever national Medical Research Giving Day.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the vital role medical research plays in building a healthier future and strengthening Australia’s economy.
The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI)’s CEO, Dr Saraid Billiards, said investing in medical research is one of Australia’s greatest opportunities to improve lives while delivering enormous benefits to the nation (for example, every dollar spent on medical research returns AU$3.90 in economic benefit).
However, for every $1 received through government research grants, an additional $0.64 is needed to cover the full cost of conducting research.
Additionally, medical researchers typically spend around 30% of their time applying for funding, which is time they can’t spend working in the lab.
The national fundraising campaign supports researchers and institutions working to deliver tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs
Invest in Australia’s Future
“Australia has an extraordinary medical research community making discoveries that save and improve lives every day,” said Dr Billiards.
“Behind every breakthrough is a huge amount of work and a community of people, expertise and support that allows our researchers to turn an idea into a discovery, a discovery into a treatment, and ultimately a treatment into better health outcomes for Aussies.”
Dr Billiards said medical research is also “an investment in Australia’s future”.
“It creates jobs, drives innovation, strengthens our economy and, most importantly, has the potential to give people more healthy years with their families and communities.”
Turning a promising discovery into a treatment requires more than scientists and laboratories – it takes a community of people who believe in the research and the hope it can provide for more patients and their families.
The inaugural Medical Research Giving Day will be held on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. The national fundraising campaign supports researchers and institutions working to deliver tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs. To learn more and support, visit medicalresearchday.org.au.
