Western Australia’s medical research sector has been dealt a demoralising blow in the 2025 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant round, sparking urgent calls for action from the State’s research leaders.
WA secured just five grants, representing a 3.8% success rate, less than half the national average. More than 96% of WA applications were unsuccessful, translating into thousands of hours of expert research effort lost and vital, potentially life-saving projects unable to proceed.
Professor Peter Leedman AO, CEO of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, said the outcome poses a serious threat to researchers, patients and the future of medical innovation in Western Australia.
“It’s a sad state of affairs when researchers – including me – are forced to step away from our work for upwards of three months to write grants with the full knowledge that there is a one in thirty chance of securing funds,” Professor Leedman said.
“What’s the definition of madness? Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result? But what choice do we have?”
Professor Leedman said the results were not a reflection of research quality or capability.
“This isn’t about capability. WA has a world-leading track record in medical research and continues to deliver breakthroughs, jobs and real-world impact for patients,” he said.
“But this year’s outcome threatens all West Australian researchers and raises serious concerns about systemic disadvantage and potential Eastern States bias in national funding processes.”
Western Australia has a long history of medical research excellence, from the Nobel Prize winning discovery of Helicobacter pylori to world-leading burns treatment, alongside ongoing advances in cancer, cardiovascular disease and rare genetic disease. The sector also plays a critical role in driving economic growth and attracting global talent.
In response to the 2025 results, WA’s research leaders have written to the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, Mark Butler, calling for urgent action, transparency and reform to ensure a fair and nationally-balanced funding system.
The letter calls for:
- A visit by National Health and Medical Research Council leadership to WA in early 2026 to examine the causes of the disparity
- A joint WA–NHMRC review into structural and geographic factors influencing State-level success rates
- Targeted support for early-career researchers, particularly in smaller or geographically isolated jurisdictions
“WA is committed to working constructively with the Federal Government to ensure excellence in medical research is supported wherever it exists,” Professor Leedman said.
Read the full letter here: https://mriletter.raiselysite.com/
You can also add your voice by signing the Medical Research Matters petition at:
https://www.moniqueryan.com.au/medical_research_matters
