Grants offering consolidated salary and research funding to support high-performing researchers at all career stages providing flexibility and stability to pursue impactful and innovative work.
Current status of program
Opening Soon
Applications will open on 4 June 2025.
To register your interest in seeking our assistance with applying, please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the NHMRC Investigator Grants?
The Investigator Grants 2026 program, led by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), is one of Australia’s premier funding opportunities for outstanding health and medical researchers. This grant provides a consolidated package of salary support (if required) and research funding, giving high-performing researchers across all career stages the flexibility and stability to pursue impactful and innovative work.
Rather than being tied to a specific project, this grant empowers researchers to pivot as new challenges arise, engage in collaborations, and shape future health outcomes across the biomedical, clinical, public health and health services research pillars.
NHMRC Investigator Grants level of support
Successful applicants receive:
- A consolidated salary (if required), based on NHMRC classification levels (EL1–EL2 and L1–L3)
- A significant research support package, amount dependent on the selected level
Co-contribution required:
- There is no co-contribution requirement specified in the draft 2026 guidelines.
- Final funding amounts will be detailed upon full program release, expected between January and June 2025.
NHMRC Investigator Grants important dates
- Applications open: 4 June 2025
- Minimum data due date: 2 July 2025
- Applications close: 30 July 2025
- Proposed peer review: August 2025 to November 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
NHMRC Investigator Grants objectives
The program aims to:
- Provide flexibility for researchers to explore new directions and build collaborations
- Foster innovative and creative research across health and medical fields
- Support researchers at all career stages to establish and grow independent research programs
- Reduce the burden of multiple applications and peer review by consolidating funding
Projects and expenditure eligible for NHMRC Investigator Grants support
Investigator Grants can support:
- Research across the 4 pillars of health and medical research:
- biomedical
- clinical
- public health
- health services research
- All career stages:
- early career researchers
- mid-career researchers
- established researchers
- Researchers with clinical responsibilities (such as clinicians, public health and allied health practitioners)
- Full-time and part-time researchers
- Innovative research directions as they emerge over the course of the grant
- Collaboration across disciplines and institutions
- Salaries (if needed) and research support for eligible researchers
- Health research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (requires meeting Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria)
Ineligible expenditure:
While specific ineligible items are not detailed in the draft, NHMRC typically excludes:
- Non-research related costs
- Expenditures outside approved scope or timing
- Unsubstantiated or unverified impact claims (impact must be evidenced)
Other NHMRC Investigator Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for NHMRC Investigator Grants support
Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible Administering Institution, typically:
- Australian universities
- Medical research institutes
- Health and hospital networks
- Not-for-profit organisations and research centres
The grant supports individuals (Chief Investigators) through their institution.
To qualify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research:
- At least 20% of research effort or capacity-building must relate to Indigenous health.
- Projects must address four Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria:
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- Community engagement
- Demonstrated health benefit
- Sustainability and transferability
- Capability building
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
NHMRC Investigator Grants assessment criteria
Applications are assessed based on two major criteria:
1. Track Record – 70%
Includes assessment of:
- Publications (35%) – Focus on up to 10 best publications within the past 10 years
- Research Impact (20%) – Emphasis on recent or ongoing contributions with evidence of reach and significance
- Leadership (15%) – A single narrative showcasing leadership in mentoring, program leadership, institutional or professional leadership
2. Knowledge Gain – 30%
Assessment includes:
- Clarity and robustness of research vision and methodology
- Significance and feasibility of the proposed new research
- Integration of impact pathways into the design
- Availability of appropriate resources, infrastructure and personnel
- Potential for transformative outcomes in policy, practice, or scientific knowledge
How do I get the NHMRC Investigator Grants?
- 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 NHMRC Investigator Grants application
Applicants should begin gathering:
- A clear 5-year research vision and new research plan
- Top 10 publications with narrative justifications
- A coherent impact pathway narrative backed by verifiable evidence
- A leadership narrative based on NHMRC’s four recognised elements
- A detailed career overview and summary of any career disruptions
- Confirmation of alignment with Statements of Expectations for their chosen Level
- Institutional support and access to necessary research infrastructure
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the NHMRC Investigator Grants
Select the correct Level (EL1–L3) based on experience and responsibilities. Submit a 7-page grant proposal in the NHMRC template via 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.
NHMRC Investigator Grants resources
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