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
Genetic finding sheds new light on child murder case
Researchers have found a new gene mutation that leads to sudden infant death, which could unlock the case of Kathleen Folbigg - who is over halfway through a 30-year prison sentence for the murder and manslaughter of her four children.
News
Understanding the way genes are controlled in congenital diseases
Experts from John Curtin School of Medical Research have published research that increases understanding of how ZIC proteins might cause congenital diseases.
Research story
Malaria breakthrough set to change vaccine design
Researchers from The Australian National University have discovered a vital clue as to why malaria vaccines keep failing.
News
Further evidence for understanding the recipes of life
A new research project has further illuminated a fundamental process of life - the creation of proteins based on recipes called RNA.
News
International recognition for platelet research
Professor Elizabeth Gardiner has received an esteemed career award for her significant contributions in the thrombosis and haemostasis field.
News
Test confirms no trace of coronavirus in ACT sewage
A comprehensive testing program has found no traces of SARS-CoV-2 in Canberra's sewage system.
News
$8 million to help immune system hunt down and beat cancer
Life-saving research into how the human immune system can beat cancer has been given an $8 million boost from Canberra's Terry Snow and the Snow family.
Research story
Understanding your brain in the time of COVID-19
ANU alumni Gaya Karthik and Emily Han share some insights from their podcast series about how our brain is affected by living through this global pandemic.
News
Awards fit for a queen go to ANU Health and Medicine experts
Three professors from the ANU Medical School, and a JCSMR graduate, have all been recognised in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours.
News
Gene research could lead to cancer breakthrough
New research by scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) will help us better understand rare forms of cancer.