Funding
For nearly 60 years, the Otago Medical Research Foundation has supported Otago-based researchers to investigate a wide range of medical and health-related topics. From modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into a significant source of research funding for individuals and research groups at the University of Otago.
Backing Research Talent and Innovation
We support research at all stages. This includes several summer scholarships each year (around 20), giving talented University of Otago students the opportunity to work alongside academic staff on focused, 10-week research projects. We also provide research grants of up to $40,000 each for one year to research investigators in the Otago region to support working expenses, salaries and minor items of equipment. These grants often enable researchers to develop new and innovative lines of investigation.
Apply Here
Applications for all grants and awards are assessed by the Scientific Committee of the Otago Medical Research Foundation and are offered at various times throughout the year.
The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organisations for supporting our 2025 research grants and 2025/26 summer research scholarships:
| ACE Shacklock Charitable Trust | Aotea Holdings Group | Aotearoa Gaming Trust |
| Deloitte | Evan and Carolyn Matheson | Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust |
| Kākāpō Consulting | Kingston Sedgfield Charitable Trust | Marsh Family Charitable Trust |
| MM & JH Hughes Family Trust | Otago Community Trust | Professor Ailsa Goulding |
| University of Otago Fund – McGillivray Brother’s Legacy | Anonymous funder |
From bequest funds:
| Laurenson Bequest | Jack Thomson Bequest | Estate of Frances Kenney Miles |
| Estate of H Robert Wilson | Estate of Shona Anne Rowley |
Openness in animal research
The Otago Medical Research Foundation is committed to openness regarding the use of animals in health research. We are a signatory to the ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand.
The Foundation recognises the important role animal research has played in advancing modern medicine. Some projects we fund may involve animals, and we are committed to supporting only research that meets high standards of animal welfare and adheres to the ethical principles of refinement, reduction and replacement.