National Health and Medical Research Council

The Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) Scheme replaces the Centres for Clinical Research Excellence Scheme and the Capacity Building Grants in Population Health and Health Services Research.

CREs will provide support for teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in clinical, population health and health services research. Funding will support three schemes:

• CRE in Clinical Research;
• CRE in Health Services Research; and
• CRE in Population Health Research.

Special Interest Areas

In addition to the general aims of the CRE Scheme, the scheme is used to identify and support research in special interest areas.  In this Round the special interest areas are:

• mental health;
• post-market surveillance of drugs and medical devices;
• electromagnetic energy;
• obesity policy; and
• Indigenous health and wellbeing

Further information on can be found in the Centres of Research Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012.

Apply for funding

Online application

NHMRC only accepts applications for this scheme through the Research Grants Management System (RGMS).   

• Further information on Research Grants Management System (RGMS)

Important dates

• Applications OPEN 28 October 2011
• Applications CLOSE 5pm (AEDT) on 30 January 2012

Documentation to apply for a CRE Grant

1. Review the Centres of Research Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012
   • Centres of Research Excellence Funding Rules 2011 (PDF, 325KB)
2. Review the Centres of Research Excellence Peer Review Guidelines for Funding Commencing in 2012
   • CRE Peer Review Guidelines (PDF, 244KB)
3. Review the Centres of Research Excellence Advice and Instructions to Applicants document for funding commencing in 2012
   • Centres of Research Excellence - Advice and Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing 2012 (PDF, 405KB)
4. Review the Administering Institutions list
   This contains a list of Administering Institutions which is to be used by Applicants when selecting their Administering Institution on the application form.
   • More information on Administering Institutions
5. Criteria for Health and Medical Research of Indigenous Australians
   Applicants for CREs in the area of Indigenous Health research are required to address the Criteria for Health and Medical Research of Indigenous Australians.
   • Criteria for Health and Medical Research of Indigenous Australians (PDF, 18KB)
6. Australian Standard Research Classifications & NHMRC Keyword ⁄ Phrases
   • More information on Australian Standard Research Classifications & NHMRC Keyword ⁄ Phrases

Further Information

If you require more information, direct your inquiry to your Research Administration Office in the first instance.

If you require assistance and are unable to satisfy your concern by seeking assistance through your Administering Institution:

Contact the Research Help Centre on 1800 500983, or email help@nhmrc.gov.au