MRFF – Early to Mid-Career Researchers Initiative – 2025 Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant Opportunity

It aims to support medical research and innovation projects led by early to mid-career researchers in Australia.

Objectives:

• Support early-stage, small-scale research led by early career researchers to assess novel strategies addressing critical or intractable health issues in Priority Populations (Stream 1: Incubator).
• Establish large-scale interdisciplinary research programs led by mid-career researchers to drive substantial improvements in healthcare and health system effectiveness for Priority Populations (Stream 2: Accelerator).
• Accelerate translation of research led by early to mid-career researchers into policy and practice through co-funding (Stream 3: Targeted Call for Research).

Target Beneficiaries:

• Early career researchers leading small-scale innovative projects.
• Mid-career researchers leading large interdisciplinary programs.
• Priority Populations as defined in the grant guidelines.
• Eligible MRFF organisations approved by NHMRC.

Application Process:

• Applications must be submitted electronically via NHMRC’s Sapphire online system.
• Applicants must apply to only one of the three streams and specify the stream in their application.
• Applications are accepted only from approved MRFF Eligible Organisations.
• Minimum data submission deadline: June 25, 2025, 5:00 pm ACT time.
• Final application deadline: July 23, 2025, 5:00 pm ACT time.
• Questions deadline: July 16, 2025, 1:00 pm ACT time.
• Applicants should consult their MRFF Eligible Organisation for specific requirements.

Key Features:

• Total funding available: AUD 44.8 million.
• Grant values range from AUD 0 to 4 million.
• Focus on medical research and innovation with impact on health outcomes.
• Three distinct streams catering to different career stages and research scales.
• Encourages interdisciplinary and translational research.
• Administered under the Medical Research Future Fund framework.
• Supports projects across all Australian states and territories.

This initiative fosters the development of promising early to mid-career researchers, aiming to translate research into meaningful health improvements for Australian communities. For more details, applicants are directed to NHMRC and Department of Health websites.