The John Curtin School of Medical Research
The John Curtin School of Medical Research was established in 1948 as a founding school of the Australian National University. We are renowned for pioneering medical breakthroughs. With a legacy of three Nobel Laureates and a league of exceptional researchers, our focus is collaborative, innovative research tackling diseases that encompass cancer, infectious diseases and neurological conditions using our expertise in immunology, cancer, genomics, neuroscience, infectious diseases, and blood disorders.
We are dedicated to cross-disciplinary research that spearheads innovative solutions to address major Australian and global health issues. And with a legacy steeped in excellence, we relentlessly explore and decipher molecular processes underpinning cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Our discoveries uncover new molecular insights and treatments. Beyond our research, we are committed to supporting and guiding the next wave of researchers, ensuring the continuity of groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in medical science for Australia and the world.
Field sites & facilities
Explore some of the numerous of research sites and facilities established by our research schools in Australia and across the world. Researchers and students at ANU enjoy access to state-of-the-art equipment to help facilitate ground-breaking research.
Research projects
Browse research topics of the College of Science and the College of Health & Medicine with links to relevant researchers.
See our list of potential student projects to apply for PhB, Honours, PhD and other graduate degrees.
Stories
News, Research story
Scientists discover new function of platelets that remove old red blood cells
Researchers at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) have found a new function of platelets apart from their known role in preventing bleeding and helping us fight off infections.
News, Research story
The power of personalised care
The benefits of personalised medicine programs extend far beyond the individual patient.
News
How our own immune system can help fight cancer
The findings mean patients could respond better to immunotherapy treatment.
News
JCSMR researchers sing to a different tune
The magic of song is helping a group of ANU College of Health and Medicine academics escape the demands of research.
News
Two more ANU Rhodes Scholars sets new record for Australian universities
ANU graduates will help fight infectious diseases and neurodegeneration having just won prestigious Rhodes Scholarships.
News
RNA vaccines rose to prominence during COVID, but we've only scratched the surface of their potential
In high school biology, students are taught the central concept of genetics in a very simple way: DNA makes RNA, RNA makes protein, and protein makes life. ANU Researchers claim we're only scratching the surface of their potential to improve human health.
Student profile
Like mother, like daughter
I don't think my mum ever thought that, 27 years on, her daughter would graduate from the same university - let alone the same research institution.
Academic profile
From Helsinki to Australia’s national university
Starting my PhD at ANU was life-changing for me.
Research story
What do I need to know about the Moderna vaccine? And how does it compare with Pfizer?
Australia’s medical regulator has provisionally approved another COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna, for use in Australia. One million doses of Moderna are due in the second half of September and three million doses a month will begin to arrive from October.
News
New natural answers for killer allergies
Researchers have discovered a function in the immune system that could hold the key to treating allergic conditions like asthma and stop anaphylaxis.