Up to $7 million for development and implementation of adaptive platform or registry-based clinical trials, facilitating world-class health research in areas of unmet medical need.
On this page you will find
What is the Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure?
The 2024 Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure (CTEI) Grant Opportunity is an Australian Government initiative under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) that aims to strengthen clinical trial capabilities and support innovative research infrastructure. This opportunity provides targeted financial support for projects that focus on more effective and efficient clinical trials – including adaptive platform trials and registry-based randomised controlled trials – to address critical areas of unmet medical need and improve health outcomes.
Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure level of support
Minimum and maximum amount of funding:
- Stream 1, Topic A (Incubator): No minimum, up to $300,000
- Stream 1, Topic B (Targeted Call): No minimum, up to $5,000,000
- Stream 1, Topic C (Targeted Call): No minimum, up to $3,000,000
- Stream 2 (Targeted Call): No minimum, up to $1,500,000
- Stream 3 (Targeted Call): No minimum, up to $7,000,000
Co-contribution requirement:
- No co-contribution is required. The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. If you choose to bring in additional cash or in-kind support from partners, this can strengthen your proposal, but it is not mandatory.
Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure important dates
- Closing date: 17 July 2025 at 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Project duration Stream 1, Topic A: up to 1 year
- Project duration Stream 1, Topic B & C; Stream 2; Stream 3: up to 7 years
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure objectives
The main objectives of this grant are to:
- Enhance Australian research infrastructure to enable more effective and efficient clinical trials.
- Foster innovations such as adaptive platform trials and registry-based randomised controlled trials in areas of unmet medical need.
- Establish and extend clinical trial practice networks that promote sector capability, collaboration, and the embedding of evidence-based care across Australia.
- Improve health outcomes through systematic evaluation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Encourage partnerships across academia, industry, state/territory agencies, and consumer organisations to strengthen trial capabilities and translational impact.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure support
To be eligible, your project must focus on at least one of the following areas:
- Establishing or expanding adaptive platform trials (Stream 1).
- Embedding a registry-based randomised controlled trial into a pre-existing clinical registry (Stream 2).
- Establishing a new clinical trial practice network or extending an existing one (Stream 3).
- Building the evidence base, capacity, or data infrastructure critical to the success of national-scale clinical trials.
Ineligible expenditure includes, but is not limited to:
- Major capital works and building maintenance/upgrades.
- Retrospective costs for activities undertaken prior to the grant agreement.
- Costs already supported through other Commonwealth, state, or territory programs.
- Financing costs (e.g. interest on loans), standard hospitality/entertainment, personal memberships, and other items outside the scope of direct project activities.
Other Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure support
You must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be incorporated in Australia.
- Be one of the following:
-
- A medical research institute
- A university
- A corporate Commonwealth entity
- A corporation (business or not-for-profit).
Ineligible applicants include individuals, unincorporated associations, trusts without an incorporated trustee, and non-corporate Commonwealth entities.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure assessment criteria
Eligible applications are assessed by an independent committee of experts. The assessment criteria include:
1. Project Impact (40% weighting)
- How well the project addresses an unmet medical need and leads to meaningful advances in health outcomes, practice, or policy.
- The degree of consumer/community/partner involvement in shaping and translating the research.
2. Project Methodology (30% weighting)
- The rigour and feasibility of your research design, including clarity of objectives, milestones, and data management.
- The extent to which your study builds on existing knowledge rather than duplicating past work.
3. Capacity, Capability and Resources (30% weighting)
- Suitability of the research team’s expertise, leadership, and resources to achieve successful outcomes.
- Diversity of disciplines, genders, and career stages among Chief Investigators and partners.
4. Overall Value and Risk (non-weighted)
- How well the proposed outcomes align with the CTEI Grant Opportunity and the broader MRFF goals.
- The appropriateness of the budget and a robust plan for identifying and managing risks.
A strong application must meet at least an acceptable standard for each of the first three weighted criteria and be rated “Good” or “Excellent” for Overall Value and Risk.
How do I get the Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure?
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.
Information to prepare for the Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure application
- Project Plan: Outline your research question, milestones, timelines, feasibility, and methods of data collection.
- Budget & Evidence of Support: Provide a detailed, itemised project budget, plus a letter of endorsement from your board/CEO/equivalent.
- Risk Management: Prepare a plan detailing how you will monitor, manage, and report on potential risks.
- Early to Mid-Career Researchers: Confirm that at least 20% of your Chief Investigators meet this requirement.
- Ethics & Standards: Align your proposal with relevant ethics guidelines and regulations.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure
Submit your application via the online portal on business.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Clinical Trial Enabling Infrastructure resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 5 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and effectively prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of grant applications. - Grant Strategy
Develop a tailored grant strategy to support your business’s growth and expansion by aligning your projects with the most suitable grant opportunities. - Grant Application Writing
Assist you to craft persuasive applications that not only highlight your strengths but also align seamlessly with funders’ objectives. - Grant Application Review
Ensure your application stands out by allowing GrantHelper’s experts to meticulously review and refine your submission, maximising your chances of securing funding. - Bespoke Services
Access custom services like project management, business planning, and financial modelling to ensure your project’s success and sustainability.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
