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
Research story
Behind the scenes of science
The unsung heroes of science: meet the people who make our research possible.
Academic profile
Vanquishing prejudice takes practice
Jessica Halem’s job at Harvard Medical School is to alleviate suffering. But she’s not a doctor.
News
$10 million bequest to tackle rare autoimmune disease
Treatment for a rare and currently incurable autoimmune disease has been given a major boost thanks to a $10 million bequest made to ANU.
News
The cell discovery that could stop allergies
A new cell type that could stop allergies before they begin has been discovered by ANU researchers.
News
Groundbreaking genetic discovery shows why Lupus develops
The discovery is set to change our understanding of the causes of disease and potentially save lives.
News
A lack of facial recognition leads to loneliness for people living with AMD
Research show that a lack of facial recognition is reducing quality of life and confidence for people with AMD.
Academic profile
Meet the Mari Kondo of ANU - just don’t ask her about cleaning
Dr Kondo, a Visiting Fellow at JCSMR, is resigned to the impossibility of not talking about the other Marie Kondo, cleanliness guru and Netflix star.
Research story
'Revolutionary': a new hope for treating autoimmune disease
Sometimes we overuse the word 'revolutionary'. Sometimes something revolutionary happens.
Academic profile
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, ANU researchers share their experiences and hopes for the future.
News
ANU welcomes federal government investment in phenomics research
The initiative drives development of new disease models, novel diagnostics and better treatment for patients with chronic illnesses.