Funding opportunities
Below is a list of grants previously available.
All applications for external research grants must be submitted through the Research Grants Administration and Funding unit.
For regular updates on funding oppportunities subscribe to the Research Office weekly research bulletin.
Research Office Funding Opportunities Database
To view the opportunities listed in this Bulletin and all current funding opportunities please visit the new Research Office Database.
If you are interested in NIH funding subscribe to the NIH Funding Bulletin by clicking on the link and following the directions. If you are planning on submitting an application to an eligible NIH funding scheme please contact in the Research Office on 02 8627 8107 to assist you with the application process.
If you would like some assistance with interpreting the guidelines or preparing your grant applications, contact in the Office of Research and Research Training.
Applications for these schemes are now closed
- 2011 Brain Foundation Research Grants
The Brain Foundation is an Australian registered charity which raises money to fund on-going, crucial research into brain diseases and all other known neurological disorders as well as brain and spinal injuries. The primary objective of the Brain Foundation Research Grants is to support individual researchers and research teams to conduct the highest quality research in brain illnesses and neurological disorders as well as brain and spinal injuries.
Specific Funding available in 2011:
- Each year Headache Australia through the Brain Foundation makes funds available for research into chronic headaches and migraines
- Research into Dystonia
- Research into Parkinson’s Disease
- Research into Muscular Dystrophy
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8447
Closing date: 23 June 2011 - The Heart Foundation - Life Sciences Research Fellowships (Cardiovascular)
The Heart Foundation (NSW Division) has facilitated the establishment of the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network, a collaboration of Cardiovascular Research Institutes, Organisations and individuals seeking to increase funded collaborative research and support the research workforce.
The NSW Cardiovascular Research Network Life Sciences Research Fellowship (Cardiovascular) is awarded by the NSW Office for Science and Medical research in conjunction with the Heart Foundation (NSW). Two Fellowships are available.
The purpose of the Life Sciences Research Fellowship (Cardiovascular) is to provide salary and project support to those research organisations wishing to attract high calibre interstate or international cardiovascular researchers to New South Wales.
It is expected that the administering institution shall provide a similar level of contributory/in-kind funding as is provided by the Fellowship.
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 23 June 2011 - Retina Australia - Research Grants
Retina Australia is a not-for-profit organization which acts in the interest of those affected by inherited retinal degenerations. In addition to its other activities, Retina Australia directs funds to scientific/medical research relevant to the causes, treatment, prevention or cure of retinal dystrophies. Priority will be given to studies of retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases and, to the extent that available funds permit, to age-related macular degeneration. The research may be basic or applied. Research into diabetic retinopathy is not funded by Retina Australia, nor is research into behavioural and welfare aspects of retinal dystrophy.
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8447
Closing date: 23 June 2011 - The Judith Jane Mason and Harold Stannett Williams Memorial Foundation - Research Grants for Alzheimer’s and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are two categories of grants open to applications for The Mason Foundation:
Medical and Scientific Research Grants – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Individual grants of in the vicinity of $100,000 will be considered, grants will be made to organisations in Australia.
- Research into more effective diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, care or treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; and/or
- Research into cures for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Medical and Scientific Research Grants – Alzheimer’s Disease
Individual grants of up to $50,000 will be considered.
- Research into more effective diagnosis, or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; and/or
- Research into cures for Alzheimer’s disease.
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 24 June 2011 - Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - Research Program
The PCFA recognizes that current strategies for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer are inadequate. The PCFA is especially seeking applications in its priority areas for funding including projects seeking to discover the genetic and cellular factors which initiate and/or perpetuate prostate cancer and, develop and clinically validate new, non-invasive tests to detect prostate cancer, and/or to determine whether a patient's cancer is surgically curable.
PCFA Grant Categories:
- Movember Young Investigator Grants: To support young scientists beginning a career in prostate cancer research. Up to $150K/pa over 4 years.
- Movember Concept Grants: For senior scientists not currently working in prostate cancer who have an innovative proposal and are seeking startup funding. Up to $150K/pa over 2 years.
- Movember New Directions Development Grants: For senior scientists currently working in prostate cancer that aim to explore a new idea in the prostate cancer field. Up to $150K/pa over 2 years.
- Movember Equipment Grants: For significant items of equipment needed to progress ongoing prostate cancer research. Up to $100K in any given year.
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 24 June 2011 - Go8 Germany Joint Research Co-Operation Scheme
This scheme is a joint initiative of the Go8 and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Germany’s national agency for the support of international academic co-operation.
The scheme aims to:
- foster research collaboration of the highest quality between Australian researchers from Go8 universities and German researchers
- result in research outcomes and the exchange of skills and knowledge of mutual benefit to Australia and Germany
Preference will be given to projects that facilitate exchanges between early career researchers
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8137
Closing date: 30 June 2011 - ARMS & Elsevier - Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Awards 2011
The Australian researchers are well known internationally for their achievements and dedicated contributions to various fields of research. To honour these achievements ARMS and Elsevier are proud to bring you the Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Awards for 2011.
The Awards for 2011 will be presented in the following categories:
1. Humanities and Social Sciences
2. Physical Sciences
3. Engineering and Technology
4. Life Sciences and Biological Sciences
5. Medicine and Medical Sciences
Closing date: 30 June 2011 - Endeavour Awards 2011
The Endeavour Awards is the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for citizens of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and Americas to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia. Awards are also available for Australians to undertake study, research and professional development abroad
Closing date: 30 June 2011
Closing date: Applications for these schemes are now closed
- Future Justice Prize 2011
The Future Justice Prize is awarded to Australian individuals or organizations for leadership and initiative in the advancement of future justice, which is concerned with what those living today leave behind for future generations
The Prize is awarded for research, publications, projects or programs in various categories. These include; Human Rights, Indigenous, Health, Environment, Population & Intergenerational Debt
Closing date: 1 July 2011 - Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) Funded Grant
The ALR funds research that will accelerate the development of new treatments for lupus. As such, grant proposals should be innovative in direction and utilize state-of-the-art techniques. Fundamental studies in genetics, immunology, cell biology and molecular biology to identify and characterize molecular systems must be oriented towards the development of drugs that would prevent and/or ameliorate clinical signs and symptoms of lupus.
A letter of intent (LOI) is to be submitted by the investigator electronically through the ALR website.
Letter of Intent due to ALR 8 July 2011
Grant Applications due to ALR 5 August 2011
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8137
Letter of Intent closing date: 8 July 2011 - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) - Travel Grants
JDRF offers travel grants to early-stage researchers throughout Australia in order to strengthen the knowledge of type 1 diabetes amongst the research community. Grants may be used for domestic or international travel to research institutions or scientific meetings, for the purpose of furthering the researcher's expertise in the study of type 1 diabetes.
The visit planned by the applicant must be relevant to type 1 diabetes and focus on one of JDRF's therapeutic areas:
- Beta Cell Therapies
- Immune Therapies
- Complications Therapies, or
- Glucose Control
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 15 July 2011 - National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - Development Grant Scheme Call For Applications
Call for applications for the 2011 round of the NHMRC Development Grant Scheme opened on 18 April and will close on 18 July 2011. All applications are to be submitted online through RGMS. To gain access to RGMS click on new user request.
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: 18 July 2011 - National Breast Cancer Foundation - Postdoctoral Training Fellowship NEW!
The purpose of the Postdoctoral Training Fellowships is to provide outstanding researchers who have recently completed a PhD with support to pursue their breast cancer research interests and increase their research capability. The overall aim is to attract, train and retain our most talented breast cancer researchers of the future. At the time of application the applicant must have no more than five years postdoctoral experience. Postdoctoral Training Fellowships are available for up to four years at $90,000 p.a. including salary stipend, oncosts and some research-related expense. This year (2011) we are delighted to announce our partnership with Cure Cancer Australia Foundation (CCAF) who will contribute $90,000 for the first year of each fellowship
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 21 July 2011 - National Breast Cancer Foundation - Early Career Fellowship NEW!
The Early Career Fellowship will support the salary and research of outstanding new investigators with a vision to expand the scale and scope of breast cancer research in Australia. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate their potential to develop high performing teams that will produce high quality research outcomes.
The specific aims of the scheme are to:
- Develop the most outstanding and creative breast cancer researchers across the range of disciplines in biomedical, clinical, health services and public health research.
- Foster mentoring and collaboration of talented early career researchers, and facilitate integration of these new investigators into successful research teams.
- Enhance quality and foster expansion of the scale and scope of breast cancer research in Australia.
- Carry out research that is of major importance and with the potential to impact on breast cancer outcomes
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 21 July 2011 - National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre (NSPAC) - Productive Ageing Research Grants for 2011 [[b|NEW!]]
NSPAC provides funding to a broad range of researchers to undertake consumer oriented research into productive ageing. In 2008, we changed our research grants process to an annual, competitive program. In May/June each year, we invite funding applications for innovative projects that have clear outcomes and benefits for seniors and the general public
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: 22 July 2011 - The Leukaemia Foundation - Postdoctoral Fellowship [[b|NEW!]]
The Leukaemia Foundation's 'Vision to Cure' is actively realised in our National Research Program (NRP). The NRP seeks to foster innovative research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. The program includes grants-in-aid to provide seed funding for novel research projects, whilst our fellowships and scholarships program aims to encourage talented young scientists, medical graduates and researchers to pursue a career in basic, applied or translational research to find cures and better ways to care for patients and families living with haematological malignancies. Applications are considered in all fields of research which will improve outcomes for people with blood cancers and related disorders
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113
Closing date: 22 July 2011
Any time throughout the year
- The Medical Advances Without Animals (MAWA) - Research Grant
The Medical Advances Without Animals Trust (MAWA) offers research grants which MAWA considers will further the aims of the Trust to advance medical science and improve human health and therapeutic interventions without using animals and animal products
Research should be directed towards the development of methodologies that replace the use of animals and animal products in medical research, or provide animal free alternatives to existing research efforts
Contact:
Ph. 8627 8113 - AusAID International Seminar Support Scheme
The International Seminars Support Scheme (ISSS) is an Australian Government aid activity administered by AusAID. The scheme helps to develop knowledge and technical expertise in developing countries, and builds linkages between the government, academic and community sectors in Australia and our partner developing countries. Applications must be submitted at least three months prior to a seminar
Contact: Research Grants Administration and Funding (RGAF)
Ph: 8627 8111
Closing date: No deadline - Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA) – Investigator - Incubator Grants
To broaden the scope of its support for research relevant to multiple sclerosis. MSRA wishes to assist researchers towards gaining significant support for research proposals in all areas of research. Applications are invited for grants to fund the earliest stages of a new research effort in order to validate a process or provide preliminary data
*Applications can be lodged at the MS Research Office at any time of the year and will be considered by the RMC throughout the year.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8102
Closing date: No deadline (perpetual) - Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF)- Rapid Response Innovation Awards
The goal of this exciting program is to rapidly support innovative research focused on the cause of and cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). In particular, MJFF is eager to fund high-risk, high-reward projects tackling critical scientific roadblocks that if successful, can open new avenues for PD therapy development. Rapid Response Innovation Awards is designed to support projects with little to no existing preliminary data, but that have the potential to significantly impact our understanding or treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
* Research proposals may be submitted at any time and funding decisions will be made within 6 weeks of receiving the application.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: No deadline - Cure for Life Foundation - Grants and Fellowships
The Cure for Life Foundation is a charitable organisation established to further the quality of medical knowledge and technical resources available to treat and care for people with brain and spinal cord tumours. The Foundation regards one of its roles as providing funding for small ‘one-off’ projects that have a clear relationship to the diagnosis, causes and management of brain tumours. Accordingly, researchers working in fields that are relevant to brain tumours are invited to apply for small ad hoc grants to support research in the calendar year 2008. Grants may be used for equipment, consumables, part-time staff support or ‘top-up’ funding for other grants.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8102
Closing date: No deadline (perpetual) - National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund (NDLERF)- Research Grants
The NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Research Grants Program is administered through the Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Office. Each year a number of research grants are allocated to continue to contribute towards evidence based practice drug and alcohol services and programs in NSW.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8102
Closing date: No deadline (perpetual) - James S McDonnell Foundation- Collaborative Activity Awards
The Foundation offers Collaborative Activity Awards to initiate interdisciplinary discussions on problems or issues, to help launch interdisciplinary research networks, or to fund communities of researchers/practitioners dedicated to developing new methods, tools, and applications of basic research to applied problems. In each case the focus of the collaborative activity must meet the program guidelines for one of the following program areas:
* Bridging Brain, Mind, and Behaviour
* Studying Complex Systems
* Brain Cancer Research
Contact: Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: No deadline (perpetual) - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)- Scholar Awards
In an effort to expedite the progress toward a cure for type 1 diabetes, the JDRF offers a Scholar Award. This award offers sustained support for pioneering basic or clinical research aimed at fulfilling the goals of JDRF finding a cure for type 1 diabetes or its complications. The Scholar Award is designed to support individual scientists of exceptional creativity who propose pioneering research to reach these goals. The Scholar Award will fund investigators with extraordinary talent and vision, who are willing to take risks and attempt new approaches to accelerate type 1 diabetes research.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: No deadline (perpetual) - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The Global Health Program Strategy invites established international organisations working on solutions to urgent health challenges in the developing world, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, acute diarrheal illness, and malnutrition. The Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world.
Contact: Ph: 0011+1+206+709-3140
Closing date: No deadline - Ataxia-Telangiectasia Children's Project – Research Grants
The A-T Children's Project® provides competitive grant awards for basic and translational research grants related to ataxia-telangiectasia. In giving these grant awards, the Project strives to assist respected scientists in developing a clearer understanding of ataxia-telangiectasia.
Contact:
Ph. +1 954 481 6611
Closing date: Applications are open all year - Alexander von Humboldt Foundation – Humboldt Research Fellowships
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly qualified, early-stage researchers from abroad, who hold doctorates, to carry out research projects of their own choice in Germany.
Associate Professor Kay Double is Australia's Ambassador Scientist for the foundation. As a former Humboldt Fellowship holder anyone with questions about the application process is welcome to contact her via
Closing date: Anytime throughout the year - Harold Mitchell Foundation – Funding Grants
The Harold Mitchell Foundation supports projects only in the arts or health areas which either, creates discovery in the arts and or health fields to break new ground; increases the capacity of communities to foster their arts and health activities and enables establishment of arts or health activities with real potential to take off and be ongoing.
Contact:
Closing date: No deadline - Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds – Travel Grants
The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds travel allowances are aimed at supporting young scientists in acquiring experimental qualification necessary in basic research. Travel allowances are intended to enable the recipients to visit laboratories further a field in order to study clearly-defined techniques useful for their ongoing research and the work of their research group at home.
Contact:
Ph: 8627 8111
Closing date: No deadline - The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) - Lise Meitner Program
The Lise Meitner Program is designed to enable highly qualified researchers from abroad to work at Austrian research facilities and participate in Austrian research programs for the benefit of and to stimulate research in Austria.
Please refer to website for more information
Closing date: Anytime throughout the year - The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation- Grants
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation creates meaningful and sustainable improvements in health and education for people around the world by developing partnerships and supporting innovative programs that actively fulfil the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company mission – to extend and enhance human life.
Contact:
Ph: 8627 8111
Closing date: No deadline - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation- Conference Grants
JDRF supports scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops relevant to its mission. Conference Grant applications are accepted for consideration throughout the year.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: No deadline - Macquarie Bank Foundation- Project Funding
The Macquarie Bank Foundation focuses its resources in six core areas – the arts, education, environment, health care, health research and welfare. We are also committed to projects specifically aimed at supporting indigenous communities. The Foundation’s funding criteria is flexible and open. We welcome applications from a diverse range of community organisations that are working in innovative ways to provide long-term benefits.
Contact:
Ph. 8232 6951
Closing date: No deadline - Wellcome Trust- Medical History and Humanities travel grants
This funds short-term visits by scholars based outside the UK, the Republic of Ireland or The Netherlands to one of these countries. Visits under this scheme may be to consult libraries or archives and to exchange views or work with colleagues who have similar research interests. Study or lecture tours, meetings of a professional or vocational nature, workshops, symposia and international congresses are normally excluded.
Contact: Ph. 8627 8103
Closing date: No deadline