Work

Limited investment in headache research in Australia: Sparse National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) support for clinical trials

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Headache disorders, including migraine, affect millions of Australians and are among the leading causes of disability. Clinical trials are critical for improving treatment options, yet funding through Australia's major public health research funding agencies in this area remains extremely limited. Our review of National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund funding since 2013 identified only one trial for headache disorders, focused on cluster headache. No funded trials target migraine, tension-type headache, or other headache disorders. These findings highlight very limited nationally funded headache clinical trial activity within Australia's major public research funding schemes. Reliance on overseas research may not reflect Australia's population or health system. The reasons for this limited funding are likely multifactorial and may include funding priorities, limited numbers of applications, and broader constraints in national headache research capacity. Strengthening research infrastructure, workforce development, and support for clinical trials should be considered to improve outcomes for Australians with headache disorders.

Source: Cephalalgia Reports

DOI: 10.1177/25158163261501562

Authors: Faraidoon Haghdoost, Marco Valerio, Dilara Bahceci, Anthony Rodgers

Institution: UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Migraine and Headache Studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500