Menzies was established in 1985 as a body corporate of the Northern Territory Government under the Menzies Act 1985. This Act was amended in 2004 to formalise the relationship with Charles Darwin University (CDU). Menzies is now a major partner of CDU and constitutes a school within the University’s Institute of Advanced Studies.

Their work addresses critical issues such as mental health, nutrition, substance abuse, child health and development, as well as chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney disease and heart disease.

They also lead global research into life-threatening illnesses in the Asia-Pacific, such as malaria, melioidosis and tuberculosis.

They endeavour to break the cycle of disease and to reduce health inequities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly for disadvantaged populations.

Their mandate is to seek enduring solutions to problems that matter; the kind that when tackled, have the potential to make an immense difference to the quality of lives both here and abroad.  

Their work spans central and northern Australia, and developing countries within their global neighbourhood.

Their primary international partners are Indonesia and Malaysia. They also work in Timor Leste, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Nepal, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

As Australia’s leading medical research institute dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Their current impact:

• - Across the Northern Territory, Australia and the Asia-Pacific, Menzies’ activities generated a total benefit of $1.1 billion, with a net benefit of $697.9m, with every dollar spent returning $2.70 to the economy. 
• - 150+ research projects and programs
• - 60+ remote community partnerships across central and northern Australia
• - Pioneering global and tropical health work extending into 20+ countries across the Asia-Pacific

Vision

Health equity for everyone living in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Mission

To break the cycle of disease and improve health outcomes for people in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, through excellence and leadership in research, education and capacity development.