The main activity at the Garvan Institute is to undertake research to further understanding of the role of genes in health and disease as the basis for developing future cures.
The Garvan Institue has major research programs in the following diseases:
- Cancer
- Diabetes and Obesity
- Alzheimers & Parkinsons Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis & Asthma
- Pituitary Disorders

In the area of Cancer, the Garvan and St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney (SV&MHS) have commenced a major new initiative to develop a dedicated Cancer Centre on the St. Vincents Research Precinct in Darlinghurst, Sydney. The Garvan St Vincents Campus Cancer Centre will align Garvans internationally acclaimed cancer research with the best practice cancer services at SV&MHS. The vision of the new Cancer Centre is to realize the promise of personalized medicine for cancer patients by creating a world-renowned facility where research findings move quickly into clinical care and clinical challenges drive laboratory research. Construction of the new Cancer Centre is scheduled for completion in 2011.

Garvin Institute of Medical Research became a full UICC member in September 2009.