About
Research For Life is the public face of the Wellington Medical Research Foundation Inc.
Fundamental medical research is by far the best pathway to creating both preventative strategies and treatments that transform people’s lives.
Find out more about why you, and everyone, should be supporting this great cause, here.
Our Mission
Supporting innovative quality research with a focus on funding researchers in the early stages of their careers who, through their work, will advance the quality of healthcare in the Wellington region and beyond.

Max Berry at Wellington Hospital’s Department of Paediatrics and Child Health,
at the University of Otago, Wellington.
Role of the Foundation
Research For Life is dedicated to supporting and encouraging young, talented people to engage in medical and biomedical research.
The Foundation considers appropriate applications from all medical researchers and research groups in the Wellington region. Find out more about our grant application timetable and requirements here.
The Need for Medical Research
Major discoveries in medicine have been made through fundamental and applied research. By funding such research, we aim to be at the forefront of medical knowledge and technical ability.
Projects Funded Recently
In the 2024 financial year (to the end of June), Research For Life made available up to $302,620 to Wellington based medical researchers to undertake innovative research, of which $37,000 were grants for travel to medical research conferences and labs. Our Fellowship of $80,000 also continued
In the prior year, 2023, Research For Life made a total of $326,388 available for research and travel.
Read reports of the medical research funded in recent years in our Annual Research Reviews here.
Help us to Fund Medical Research in the Wellington Region
Research For Life needs your support to continue its work. Find out more about making a bequest, gift or donation here.
We are a registered charity "The Wellington Medical Research Foundation" CC10659.