This study looked at how eating disorder research was funded in Australia between 2009 and 2021 and compared it with funding for other mental health conditions. It found that eating disorders receive far less research investment than their severity, prevalence, and high mortality rates would justify, highlighting a major gap between need and funding.
Aims
This study aimed to compare absolute levels and growth rates of Australian mental health research funding by illness group from 2009 to 2021, with a specific focus on eating disorders at the portfolio level.
Background
Eating disorders (EDs) are among the most lethal mental illnesses and impose a substantial public health burden, yet they remain critically underfunded in Australia. Analysis of actual and inflation-adjusted data from Australia’s three national medical research funding bodies—the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)—revealed that EDs receive a disproportionately low share of mental health research funding, despite having among the highest mortality rates. A total of 41 category one research grants were awarded for EDs during this period, amounting to AUD $28.1 million. When adjusted for inflation, this represents $2.05 per affected individual, compared with $19.56 for depression, $32.11 for autism, and $176.19 for schizophrenia.
Mortality and Mental Health Funding-Do the Dollars Add Up? Eating Disorder Research Funding in Australia From 2009 to 2021: a Portfolio Analysis
Bryant E, Koemel N, Martenstyn JA, Marks P, Hickie I, Maguire S.
The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific.
37.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
© 2026 InsideOut
InsideOut acknowledges the tradition of custodianship and law of the Country on which the University of Sydney and Charles Perkins Centre campus stands. We pay our respects to those who have cared and continue to care for Country. We are committed to diversifying research and eliminating inequities and discrimination in healthcare. We welcome all people regardless of age, gender, race, size, sexuality, language, socioeconomic status, location or ability.