- Published:
- Sunday 9 August 2026
Labor is backing Victoria's world-class researchers to develop life-saving vaccines and medicines.
Minister for Medical Research Anthony Carbines today announced $2 million in new grants for mRNA research moving towards clinical trials – as part of the mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program.
mRNA Victoria has invested $34 million to support 65 research projects since 2021, unlocking new medicines and vaccines.
This includes a world-first lupus clinical trial and new treatments for bone marrow failure syndrome moving closer to the clinic.
Victoria is Australia's leading destination for clinical trials, hosting 30 per cent of all national sites.
Victoria is also the only place globally where both mRNA leaders, Moderna and BioNTech, have chosen to establish research, development and manufacturing operations.
Labor has invested more than $1 billion in health and medical research over the past decade driving growth, creating jobs and supporting life-saving breakthroughs.
Jess Wilson's Liberals will cut $40 billion, undoing years of Labor investment in medical research and the jobs that come with it.
Only Labor backs Victoria's researchers and the breakthroughs that save lives.
For more information and to apply, visit business.vic.gov.au/mrna-victoria-pipeline-program-2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research Anthony Carbines
"We're cementing Victoria as a global hub for medical research by backing our world-class researchers to advance the next generation of life-saving vaccines and medicines.”
"Every dollar invested in medical research attracts business and drives economic growth."
Quotes attributable to Burnet Institute Director and Chief Executive Officer Professor Brendan Crabb AC
"Victoria’s investment in mRNA research is helping turn life-changing scientific ideas into the vaccines and treatments of the future.”
“This new program will provide an important bridge between promising laboratory discoveries and the clinical trials needed to ultimately improve people’s lives.”