Australia commits $80.33m to 60 medical research trials

Funding focuses on chronic conditions, long COVID, and patient-informed technology.

Australia is investing $80.33m (A$120m) from the Medical Research Future Fund in 60 health research projects to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, the government said.

The University of South Australia’s ‘Vital Steps’ project will lead the nation’s first large-scale trial of wearable activity trackers in rehabilitation.

The trial, led by Professor Carol Maher, will introduce trackers across seven rehabilitation sites in Southern Adelaide as part of routine care.

The project aims to make patient movement a vital sign, enabling clinicians to monitor activity, support earlier independence, and improve recovery outcomes.

Hospitals could benefit from shorter stays, lower costs, and more efficient care as patients become more active.

Funding will focus on chronic respiratory conditions, unmet clinical needs, long COVID, and patient-informed health technology decisions.