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
All Rhodes lead to ANU
Three ANU grads have won prestigious and highly-competitive scholarships to study at Oxford University in the same round.
News
ANU wins $8 million for innovative medical research
The Australian National University (ANU) has won more than $8 million to fund various medical research and technology innovation projects.
News
Pill testing trial backed by independent review
A “trailblazing” trial run in the ACT, making pill testing available to festival goers, has been endorsed by an independent evaluation report.
Student profile
Neuroscience grad has research on the brain
When you ask Ayla Venslovas about her fondest memory from her Master of Neuroscience at ANU, she says, without hesitation: doing the assignments.
News
Jelly invention can heal itself like human skin
A new jelly material that mimics biological matter such as skin, ligaments and bone, is very strong, self-healing and able to change shape.
News
CALLS TO CURB INFANT FORMULA’S CARBON FOOTPRINT
Urgent action is needed to protect breastfeeding and reduce formula’s carbon footprint – especially for “unnecessary” toddler milks, according to ANU expert.
News
ANU researchers recognised as some of the world’s most influential
Four ANU academics have recently joined a prestigious list of Highly Cited Researchers awarded by the Web of Science.
Student profile
A Rhodes Scholar on her path to change the World, one protein at a time
Soon-to-be Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) graduate, Emily Rowland, has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.
Research story
Cracking the brain’s code
Professor Jason Mattingley's neuroscience research is mind blowing.
News
Former health minister joins ANU
Former ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris will help health leaders develop high-level skills to keep Australians well as part of a new role at ANU.