Ideas Grants 2026

The objective of the Ideas Grant scheme is to support innovative research projects addressing  specific question(s).  The expected outcomes are:  • innovative and creative research   • funding of researchers at all career stages  • funding any area of health and medical research from discovery to implementation.  It is expected that the CIA will have the capability to lead the team in achieving the project aims.  Only applications that address the intended objective and outcomes will be competitive for funding. The Ideas Grant scheme is not intended to support research where a clinical trial or cohort study is the primary objective, and applications meeting that description should be submitted to the Clinical Trial and Cohort Studies Grant scheme. Where applications have elements consistent with both the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant scheme and the Ideas Grant scheme, applicants should decide where the project is predominantly suited, based on the objectives and intended outcomes of the respective schemes and where the application would receive the most appropriate peer review.  Applicants should also anticipate a high level of interest in this grant opportunity, and it is expected to be highly competitive. Applications, including the budgets, should be carefully scrutinised within the Administering Institution prior to submission to NHMRC to ensure that the application will have the best chance to be considered favourable during NHMRC peer review.