Grants up to $5 million to support the development of innovative, safe, and effective stem cell therapies to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians.
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What is the Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity?
The 2025 Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity is part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Stem Cell Therapies Mission, aiming to support world–leading translational research into stem cell medicine. This program seeks to develop and deliver innovative, safe, and effective stem cell therapies to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians, in collaboration with patients, carers, clinicians, and broader communities.
The program includes two distinct streams:
- Stream 1: Focused on early stage clinical trials (Phase I/IIa) for novel stem cell therapies.
- Stream 2: Aimed at building evidence in ethics, regulation, public perception, and health economics for stem cell technologies.
Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity level of support
- Stream 1: Up to $5 million per grant. No minimum amount specified.
- Stream 2: Up to $1.5 million per grant. No minimum amount specified.
- Total Funding Pool: $31.5 million available over five years.
Co-contribution: While not strictly required, cash and in-kind contributions are strongly encouraged, particularly from partner organisations, and should be confirmed in Letters of Support. These contributions are considered during assessment under the “Overall Value and Risk” criterion and may strengthen the application’s competitiveness.
Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity important dates
- Minimum Data due: 23 July 2025, 5:00pm ACT local time
- Applications close: 20 August 2025, 5:00pm ACT local time
- Outcome notification: February 2026
- Grant activity duration: Stream 1 – Maximum 5 years; Stream 2 – Maximum 3 years
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity objectives
- Support clinical trials that generate evidence on safety and efficacy of new stem cell treatments (Stream 1).
- Advance sector-wide understanding of ethical, regulatory, economic, and societal considerations in stem cell therapies (Stream 2).
- Foster greater community trust and adoption of stem cell technologies.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity support
Eligible Projects
Stream 1:
- Pilot studies to inform trial design
- Phase I/IIa trials demonstrating safety and initial efficacy of stem cell treatments
Stream 2:
- Research into ethics and regulation of stem cell technologies
- Analysis of ownership, consent, and use of cellular materials
- Studies on public understanding and expectation
- Health economics and cost-benefit evaluation studies
Ineligible Expenditure Includes:
- General overheads and administrative costs
- Computers and basic software not directly tied to specialised research
- Conference travel and attendance (unless presenting and pre-approved)
- Ethics approval fees
- Infrastructure or lab facilities a responsible organisation would typically supply
- Personal membership or subscription costs
- Retrospective costs or activities undertaken outside Australia (unless explicitly approved)
Other Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity support
Only applications from MRFF Eligible Organisations will be accepted. A full list of eligible organisations is available via the NHMRC website. Joint applications with other institutions or partners are allowed, but must be led by an MRFF Eligible Organisation.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity assessment criteria
All applications will be assessed on the following four criteria:
1. Project Impact (40%)
- Contribution to meaningful advances in health outcomes, practices or policies
- Engagement with consumers, communities, and end users
- Relevance to priority populations (e.g., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, rural communities, LGBTIQ+ people)
2. Project Methodology (30%)
- Scientific quality, feasibility, and rigour of the project plan
- Clear milestones, indicators, and timelines
- Consumer involvement embedded in research design
3. Capacity, Capability and Resources (30%)
- Skills, diversity, and experience of the research team
- Evidence of ability to deliver and manage the project
- Value and role of any partner contributions
4. Overall Value and Risk (Unweighted)
- Alignment with MRFF objectives and Stem Cell Therapies Mission goals
- Justification of budget and requested resources
- Effective risk management strategy
How do I get the Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity?
- Check eligibility and become an MRFF Eligible Organisation if needed
- Choose either Stream 1 or Stream 2 (applications must target only one stream)
- Develop your project proposal including budget, risk plan, and consumer involvement strategy
Information to prepare for the Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity application
Have the following documentation ready:
- Grant Proposal (must use provided Word template)
- Consumer Involvement Statement
- Measures of Success Statement
- Risk Management Plan
- Budget details (personnel, equipment, DRCs)
- Letters of Support for partner contributions
- Declaration of Interests
- Organisation approvals and internal certifications
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity
All applications must be submitted via NHMRC’s Sapphire 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.
Stem Cell Therapies Grant Opportunity resources
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