Grants of up to $3 million to support Australian-led participation in international clinical trials, generating evidence in usual care settings to improve healthcare outcomes nationally.
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What is the International Clinical Trial Collaborations Grant Opportunity?
The MRFF 2026 International Clinical Trial Collaborations Grant Opportunity supports Australian-led participation in international clinical trials, with a focus on generating high-quality evidence to inform clinical care and improve patient outcomes.
Projects must involve a clinical trial conducted in Australia in collaboration with international partners, with recruitment not yet commenced at Australian sites.
This is a targeted and highly competitive funding round, designed for well-developed, trial-ready projects with strong international partnerships and clear pathways to translation.
International Clinical Trial Collaborations level of support
Funding Available
- Total Funding Pool: $13,000,000
- Grant Amount: Up to $3,000,000 per project
- Minimum Grant Amount: Not specified
- Grant Duration: Up to 7 years
Co-contribution
- There is no co-contribution requirement specified; however, partner contributions (cash or in-kind) may strengthen an application.
International Clinical Trial Collaborations important dates
- Minimum Data Due: 19 August 2026 (5:00pm ACT Local Time)
- Application Close: 16 September 2026 (5:00pm ACT Local Time)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
International Clinical Trial Collaborations objectives
This program aims to:
- Increase Australia’s involvement in global clinical trial networks
- Support investigator-initiated international collaborative trials
- Generate evidence in ‘usual care’ settings to inform adoption into the Australian healthcare system
Projects and expenditure eligible for International Clinical Trial Collaborations support
Eligible projects must:
- Involve investigator-initiated clinical trials conducted in Australia
- Be delivered in collaboration with international research partners
- Generate high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of:
- New or existing treatments
- Drugs
- Medical devices
- Be conducted in ‘usual care’ settings, supporting real-world clinical adoption
- Demonstrate a clear pathway to improving health outcomes in Australia
Projects should address a defined health need and demonstrate strong potential for translation into clinical practice.
Funding will not support:
- Pre-clinical studies
- Phase I and Phase II clinical trials
- Post-market monitoring studies
- Research conducted primarily outside Australia
- Indirect costs (e.g. organisational overheads, infrastructure, administration)
- Funding for overseas trial sites (these must be funded by international partners)
Overseas expenditure is generally limited to 10% of total grant funding and must be clearly justified.
Other International Clinical Trial Collaborations important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for International Clinical Trial Collaborations support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation (e.g. universities, medical research institutes, hospitals)
- Submit applications via an eligible organisation (individual researchers cannot apply directly)
- Nominate a Chief Investigator A (CIA) based in Australia
- Ensure the project:
-
- Involves a clinical trial conducted in Australia
- Includes collaboration with international research partners
- Has not commenced recruitment at Australian trial sites
Joint (consortia) applications are encouraged, provided there is a lead eligible organisation.
International Clinical Trial Collaborations assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
1. Project Impact (40%)
- Contribution to improved health outcomes, clinical practice, or policy
- Alignment with MRFF objectives and Measures of Success
- Strength of translation pathway into the Australian healthcare system
- Evidence of meaningful consumer and stakeholder involvement
2. Project Methodology (30%)
- Scientific quality and feasibility of the clinical trial design
- Appropriateness of recruitment strategy, sample size, and trial methodology
- Inclusion of robust governance, milestones, and performance indicators
- Integration of consumer involvement and consideration of diversity (e.g. sex, gender)
3. Capacity, Capability and Resources (30%)
- Strength and experience of the research team
- Capability of international partners
- Evidence of effective collaboration and established partnerships
- Availability of resources and infrastructure to deliver the trial
4. Overall Value and Risk (Non-weighted)
- Value for money and appropriateness of the budget
- Strength of the risk management plan
- Likelihood of delivering intended outcomes
- Contribution to MRFF priorities
How do I get the International Clinical Trial Collaborations?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the International Clinical Trial Collaborations application
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- A detailed clinical trial protocol and study design
- Evidence of confirmed international partnerships and collaboration agreements
- A Consumer Involvement Statement outlining engagement across all project stages
- A Measures of Success Statement aligned with MRFF outcomes
- A Risk Management Plan identifying and mitigating key project risks
- Detailed budget justification across all expenditure categories
- Letters of support from partner organisations (where applicable)
- Evidence of funding for any overseas trial components
Applying for the International Clinical Trial Collaborations
Applications must be submitted via NHMRC’s online system, Sapphire.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
International Clinical Trial Collaborations resources
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