CRCs are an incorporated or unincorporated organisation, formed through collaborative partnerships between publicly funded researchers and end users. CRCs must comprise at least one Australian end-user (either from the private, public or community sector) and one Australian higher education institution (or research institute affiliated with a university).

There are currently seven broad CRC sectors.

CRC for Biomarker Translation (CRC-BT) - The CRC-BT focuses on the development of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The CRC-BT is headquartered at La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria.

CRC for Biomedical Imaging Development (CRC BID) - The primary aims of the CRC BID are to develop new and advanced imaging techniques and equipment for application in biomedicine; and to foster the growth of Australian expertise in biomedical imaging. The CRC BID is headquartered in Bundoora, Victoria.

Cancer Therapeutics CRC (CTx) - The focus of the CTx is working on the discovery and early development of small molecule drugs or enabling therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Ctx is headquartered at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute’s Biotechnology Centre in Bundoora, Victoria.

CRC for Mental Health - The CRC for Mental Health researches early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and psychoses. The CRC’s research includes areas such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and psychoses such as schizophrenia and mood disorders.

CRC for Oral Health Science - The CRC for Oral Health Science brings together scientists, dentists, population health experts and manufacturers to find new and efficient ways of reducing the burden of oral disease in Australia. The CRC for Oral Health Science is headquartered at the Royal Dental Hospital, Carlton, Victoria.

CRC for Polymers - The research focus of the CRC for Polymers is on developing ‘functional’ (i.e. responsive to physical or biological stimuli) and higher value-added specialty polymers for emerging high growth opportunities. The Polymer CRC is headquartered in Notting Hill, Victoria.

The HEARing CRC - The HEARing CRC brings together an internationally unique consortium dedicated to the common purpose of ‘creating sound value’ through research - to prevent and better remediate the lost productivity resulting from hearing loss in children and adults. The HEARing CRC is headquartered at the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria.