Up to $4,000,000 to support early and mid-career researchers in carrying out innovative health and medical research projects, improving the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant?
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) – 2025 Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant Opportunity (EMCR) is a national funding initiative administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care. Its focus is to support early and mid-career researchers across Australia in carrying out innovative health and medical research projects, with the overall aim of improving the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant level of support
Under the 2025 EMCR Grant Opportunity, there are three Streams, each with different levels of support and requirements:
Stream 1 (Incubator)
- Minimum Amount: AUD 200,000
- Maximum Amount: AUD 1,000,000
- Co-Contribution: Not required
Stream 2 (Accelerator)
- Minimum Amount: AUD 2,000,000
- Maximum Amount: AUD 4,000,000
- Co-Contribution: Not required
Stream 3 (Targeted Call for Research)
- Minimum Amount: No minimum
- Maximum Amount: AUD 1,000,000
Co-Contribution: Required. The total cash co-contribution from your organisation and at least one other external partner must at least match (i.e. equal or exceed) the amount of MRFF funding you are requesting.
Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant objectives
- Strengthen capacity for medical research in Australia, focusing on the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
- Foster innovation by funding early to mid-career researchers with promising ideas to solve complex health issues.
- Promote collaboration among universities, research institutes, health services, industry, and consumer groups to maximise research impact and accelerate translation.
- Improve health outcomes for Australians, especially for Priority Populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, older people experiencing diseases of ageing, people in remote or rural communities, people with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, children and youth, and people with rare or untreatable conditions.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant support
Projects under any of the three EMCR Streams must focus on medical research or medical innovation that clearly addresses at least one of the objectives above. Examples of eligible activities include:
- Conducting clinical research or early-stage trials in Australia.
- Developing novel treatments, interventions, or technologies relevant to the Australian health system.
- Implementing translational research aimed at changing healthcare practices or informing policy.
- Collaborating with consumer groups (patients, carers, community members) to ensure the project addresses real-world needs.
Ineligible expenditure under this grant opportunity can include:
- Indirect costs or overhead expenses not directly related to the project’s objectives.
- Organisational administrative costs (e.g. building maintenance, general office furniture, basic IT not specifically required for your research activities).
- Any costs already funded by another Commonwealth or State/Territory granting program.
Other Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant support
- Only NHMRC-approved MRFF Eligible Organisations can submit an application. If your organisation is not yet approved, it must become certified as an MRFF Eligible Organisation before applying.
- Potential leads include universities, independent medical research institutes, and other bodies listed as eligible on the NHMRC website.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant assessment criteria
Applications are peer-reviewed and scored for each of the following criteria (with approximate weightings for Streams 1, 2, and 3 shown in parentheses):
1. Project Impact (40%)
- Significance and potential benefits of the research to improve health outcomes, practice, or policy.
- Relevance to the specific Stream objectives and any identified Priority Populations.
2. Project Methodology (30%)
- Scientific and technical merit of the research approach, feasibility, and clear milestones.
- Quality of collaboration, including consumer involvement throughout.
3. Capacity, Capability, and Resources (30%)
- Suitability and complementary expertise of the Chief Investigators (CIs).
- Organisational infrastructure and partnership support.
4. Overall Value and Risk (non-weighted)
- Appropriateness and justification of the budget (including co-funding if applicable).
- Adequacy of the risk management plan.
Applicants must generally score well in all four areas to secure funding.
How do I get the Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant?
Check your eligibility: Ensure you’re an eligible organisation and that your project fits the program objectives and requirements.
Develop your project scope: Confirm costs, gather quotes, and identify any required approvals.
Compile your supporting documentation: Examples include a work plan and a detailed project budget.
Other important details:
- Three distinct Streams: Make sure you apply to exactly one Stream—either Incubator, Accelerator, or Targeted Call for Research—based on your career stage and proposed project scope.
- Priority Populations: If you are targeting one or more Priority Populations, demonstrate meaningful engagement with those communities throughout the research process.
- Consumer Involvement: A Consumer Involvement Statement is mandatory, describing how you will involve patients, carers, and/or community members in designing, conducting, and disseminating your research.
- Minimum data: Ensure minimum data is submitted by 25 June 2025 to remain eligible.
Information to prepare for the Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant application
- Project Plan with clear aims, methods, milestones, and consumer engagement strategy.
- Proof of eligibility (e.g. your organisation’s MRFF Eligible Organisation status, CIA’s career stage).
- Budget and co-contribution details (especially for Stream 3).
- Risk Management Plan outlining how you will monitor and mitigate key project risks.
- Consumer Involvement Statement demonstrating meaningful consumer or community roles in the research.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant
Submit an application via NHMRC’s Sapphire online portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant resources
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