Medical research institutes

Western Australia’s medical research ecosystem is supported by a network of established medical research institutes that drive innovation and advancements in healthcare. These institutes focus on a wide range of health areas, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, respiratory health, and infectious diseases. They are known for their cutting-edge research facilities and collaborative efforts with universities, hospitals, and industry partners.

The institutes champion translational research, ensuring that scientific discoveries are quickly and effectively turned into practical healthcare solutions. This integrated approach not only enhances the quality of healthcare but also positions Western Australia as a leader in medical research and innovation.

Busselton Population Medical Research Institute

The Busselton Population Medical Research Institute (BPMRI) is a charitable organisation conducting globally significant medical and population health research.

With research facilities in the Western Australian cities of Busselton and Perth, as well as collaborations nationally and globally, the institute conducts internationally recognised cross-sectional and longitudinal population health studies.

Ear Science Institute Australia

The Ear Science Institute Australia has been providing hearing support across Western Australia since 2001.  Emphasising the need for its key findings to be translated into clinical care, Ear Science covers a variety of areas of hearing research, including brain and hearing, and hearing therapeutics along with the Ear Science Implant Clinic to bridge the gaps between research and implementation. 

Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH)

The Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH), located in Kalgoorlie, is a department involving Curtin University, the WA Country Health Service (WACHS), and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations).  GUDRH aims to provide world-class education, clinical training, and research opportunities for healthcare students and professionals in the Goldfields region. It focuses on retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas, improving health outcomes, and offering social and economic benefits to the community. The department also supports First Nations and rural students in entering health professional training programs.

Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research

The Harry Perkins Research Institute of Medical Research is a prestigious biomedical research centre based in Western Australia. With a focus on cutting-edge research, they tackle critical health challenges, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Their collaborative efforts aim to improve health outcomes and advance medical knowledge for the benefit of all.

Institute for Immunogenomics, Immunology and Infectious Diseases

A partnership between the Royal Perth Hospital and the Murdoch University, the Institute for Immunogenomics, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IIID) was established to research clinical immunology and experimental biology to better improve lives and cure disease.

Institute for Respiratory Health

The Institute for Respiratory Health is a clinical research institute dedicated to investigating respiratory disease. They have been researching lung diseases for over 20 years, striving to find cures and treatments that can change people’s lives for the better.

Lions Eye Institute

The Lions Eye Institute has a long history of research and treatment of eye and visual diseases in Western Australia.  Paving the way for future institutes, the Lions Eye Institute was the first to utilising fee paying clinical services to assist research funding. Fostering a vision of care and curiosity, the institute aims to prevent and cure blindness and eye disease through their research-based practice. 

Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health

The Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health aims to improve health outcomes in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. It provides clinical placements for allied health and nursing students, supports local clinicians, and promotes culturally responsive healthcare through education and research. The center's name, "Majarlin," means "coming back" in the Yawuru language, reflecting its goal of inspiring students to return and work in remote health.

Perron Institute

The Perron Institute is a pillar in the global neuroscience community, celebrating over 40 years of leadership in research. Based in Western Australia, it is the state's first and longest-established medical research institute. With a robust focus on research translation, the institute aims to transform lab discoveries into real-world applications as quickly and safely as possible.

The Kids Research Institute Australia

The Kids Research Institute Australia is a renowned Australian medical research centre dedicated to improving children’s health and well-being. With a focus on preventing paediatric diseases and developing effective treatments, they collaborate with experts, practitioners, and the community. Their vision is simple: to create happy, healthy kids through evidence-based research and community engagement.

The Keough Institute for Medical Research

The Keogh Institute, founded in 1983 as the Reproductive Medicine Research Institute, is a privately funded, non-profit organisation based in Western Australia. Renamed in honour of the late Clinical Associate Professor Ted Keogh, the institute specializes in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Their cutting-edge research and comprehensive patient care contribute to advancements in understanding and managing conditions related to reproductive and sexual health, including sexual dysfunction, infertility, menopause, and diabetes.

University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW)

The University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW), based at Edith Cowan University's Bunbury Campus, is dedicated to enhancing rural and regional health education and training in Western Australia. Established with federal funding, UDRH SW aims to address health workforce shortages by providing clinical placements and hands-on experience for students in fields such as emergency medicine, aged care, mental health, and more. The department collaborates closely with local health services and Aboriginal communities to ensure culturally responsive care and improve health outcomes. UDRH SW also focuses on research initiatives that inform teaching and contribute to the broader field of rural health.

Women and Infants Research Foundation

The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) is one of Australia’s leading independent research institutions dedicated to improving the health of women, infants, reproductive, and women’s mental health. WIRF now focuses its research across three principal research areas: the prevention of preterm birth, gynaecological cancers, and women’s mental health.