The Hawke's Bay Medical Research Foundation was formed in 1961 to foster and support medical research and health education in and outside Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

Funds are administered by skilled professionals from medical, legal, and business professions to foster medical research, education and the provision of equipment for the benefit of the people of Hawke's Bay.

Significant results have been achieved through the Foundation's sponsorship which includes:

• Research grants for studies into asthma, diabetes, leukaemia, blood diseases, heart disease and health problems relating to sociological factors
• Cot death research, in conjunction with the Health Research Council of New Zealand
• The provision of medical and research equipment, together with funds to upgrade the skills and knowledge of medical professionals in Hawke's Bay
• First Steps, a summer studentship into research.