Half the Funding. Half the Future.

Launched in October 2025, the campaign raised awareness of concerns that the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) was not being fully utilised to support Australian researchers and institutions.

The “Half the Funding. Half the Future.” campaign was AAMRI’s national advocacy campaign highlighting the importance of sustainable investment in Australian health and medical research.

The campaign highlighted the role of the MRFF as a long-term investment in Australia’s health and medical research future, and the importance of ensuring researchers have the funding and infrastructure needed to deliver discoveries, innovations and improved health outcomes.

The campaign was supported across the research community, including through more than 7,600 emails sent to Federal decision-makers via a dedicated letter-writing tool, and an open letter signed by Nobel Laureates and more than 100 additional supporters.

The campaign formed part of broader sector advocacy, with AAMRI joining Dr Monique Ryan MP and research leaders in Canberra in November 2025 to highlight concerns about MRFF disbursements and the sustainability of Australian medical research. The campaign also received parliamentary and media attention, and included engagement with government representatives ahead of the 2026-27 Federal Budget.

The issues raised through “Half the Funding. Half the Future.” continue to inform AAMRI’s advocacy for a strong and sustainable Australian medical research sector.