Other project recipients included Professor Tim Anderson from the University of Otago, Christchurch, who will carry out advanced brain scans, gene testing, and clinical evaluations in Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Some of the grants reflected the Government's strong focus on maternal health, pregnancy and early childhood.
One of those was from University of Otago, Dunedin, programme recipient Professor David Grattan, whose 'Healthy pregnancy, healthy babies' study will evaluate how specific pregnancy hormones induced changes in the mother's brain.
A top Maori scholar was awarded $1.2m for her research into Huntington's disease, which disproportionately effected Maori.
Dr Melanie Cheung hopes to develop a computer-based brain training programme to slow the onset of the degenerative disease, which causes brain cells to progressively die.
Huntington's is thought to be five times more prevalent in Maori than in the rest of the New Zealand population, and 10 times the world average, she said.
Other projects to receive funding include a study into how pregnancy hormones induce changes in the mother's brain to help her adapt to the physiological and metabolic demands of pregnancy, and the development of a tiny implant which could wirelessly transmit pressure and temperature readings from inside the brain.
"We're delighted to be able to fund more research contracts to support New Zealand's excellent health researchers who will advance our knowledge of health, improve health outcomes for New Zealanders, and provide access to the international health research arena," Mr Ryall said.
HRC board chairman Sir Robert Stewart said it was "very satisfying" to support such talented researchers.
"The outcomes from the diverse range of projects funded will benefit both the short and long-term health of New Zealanders."
