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
Student profile
Only in Canberra! One student's national capital experience
There are some experiences you can only get in Canberra.
News
Joshua Chu-Tan wins 3MT Asia Pacific final
ANU PhD student Joshua Chu-Tan has won the 2016 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Asia-Pacific final.
Research story
Study may lead to better breast cancer drugs
Biomedical scientists have revealed the inner workings of a group of proteins that help to switch critical genes on and off during blood-cell production, in a finding that could lead to the development of new and improved cancer drugs.
Research story
Protein insights to help find heart disease cure
Research led by The Australian National University (ANU) has uncovered new insights into how the human genome gets through the daily grind with the help of RNA-binding proteins, in a discovery which could ultimately lead to a cure for heart disease.
Student profile
Tom Shaw, Master of Neuroscience (Advanced)
I didn’t have undergraduate training in cellular neuroscience so the Master program was challenging at first, but it’s exactly what I want to do, so that’s kept me motivated. The teachers have all been great and very supportive too.
Our ANU
ANU to lead new era of personalised medicine
ANU will strengthen its role as a leading centre for personalised medicine following the announcement of $7.3 million in funding from the ACT Government to set up a new centre, Canberra Clinical Genomics.
Student profile
The degree so good, you’ll never want it to end
The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) honours student has just finished his thesis, but is already back in the lab, continuing his research into treatments for diabetes.
Our ANU
ANU medical researcher nationally recognised
Immunologist Professor Carola Vinuesa has been recognised for excellence in medical research.
Student profile
Internships: Because there's life after uni
It’s hard to know what to study at university. Luckily, you can change your mind.
Analysis and opinion
Climate change a health emergency
The world's leading medical journal The Lancet has released a special report on climate change and its impact on human health, describing global warming as a health emergency.