The Victorian Government has announced $2 million in new grants to support mRNA research moving towards clinical trials, highlighting the role of manufacturing alongside medical research in developing new vaccines and medicines.
Minister for Medical Research Anthony Carbines said the funding, delivered through the mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program, would support Victorian researchers progressing projects towards clinical trials.
“We’re cementing Victoria as a global hub for medical research by backing our world-class researchers to advance the next generation of life-saving vaccines and medicines,” Carbines said.
The Victorian Government said mRNA Victoria has invested $34 million across 65 research projects since 2021, including research linked to a world-first lupus clinical trial and treatments for bone marrow failure syndrome.
Victoria hosts 30 per cent of Australia’s clinical trial sites, according to the government, and is also home to research, development and manufacturing operations established by Moderna and BioNTech.
Carbines said investment in medical research could also support broader economic activity.
“Every dollar invested in medical research attracts business and drives economic growth,” he said.
Burnet Institute Director and Chief Executive Officer Professor Brendan Crabb AC said the investment could help move research from laboratory development towards clinical testing.
“Victoria’s investment in mRNA research is helping turn life-changing scientific ideas into the vaccines and treatments of the future,” Crabb said.
“This new program will provide an important bridge between promising laboratory discoveries and the clinical trials needed to ultimately improve people’s lives.”
The government said it has invested more than $1 billion in health and medical research over the past decade, which it said has supported jobs, economic growth and medical research outcomes.
The announcement also included criticism of the Victorian Opposition, with the government claiming a Liberal government under Jess Wilson would reduce funding by $40 billion. The claim was not accompanied by further detail in the media release.
Applications for the 2026 mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program are available through the Victorian Government’s business website.
