New Grants Program to Elevate Women’s Health Research

The state has unveiled a groundbreaking grants initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding of how various diseases and health issues uniquely impact women.

The Women’s Health Research Catalyst Grants will distribute $1.5 million, inviting applications from the most talented pioneers in the sector.

Funding amounts ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 will be awarded for one-year research projects that focus on critical areas such as sex and gender comparisons, as well as conditions that are often underfunded or overlooked in women’s health.

While the program is open to all realms of health and medical research, specific areas have been prioritized to deepen the understanding of how sex and gender influence health outcomes—recognizing that experiences of health conditions can vary significantly between women and men.

Key focus areas include sexual and reproductive health, cardiovascular diseases, cancer care, orthopaedics, and chronic pain management, among others.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and attention towards medical conditions that are unique to women or that disproportionately affect them. “For too long, medical prejudices have dismissed women as unreliable subjects for research due to hormone fluctuations—this exclusion is unacceptable. Our biological differences should direct more focus to women in research,” stated Ms. Thomas.

To apply, eligible candidates must be affiliated with a Victorian Administering Institution and engaged in research across various health and medical fields, including but not limited to discovery, pre-clinical, clinical, or lived experience research.

Applications for the Women’s Health Research Catalyst Grants will open on Monday, January 13.