The Foundation for Medical Research (FMR) was established in 1975 as a Public Trust and is recognized as a national research organization by the Government of India. It is affiliated to the Mumbai University for post-graduate/doctoral degrees.

FMR practices a combination of basic biomedical and translational and public health research. Its traditional research areas have been the major infectious diseases of leprosy, tuberculosis (TB) and modernization of traditional plant-based medicine. Newer focus areas being developed include COVID-19, environmental health, malnutrition and health system strengthening.