NHMRC remains committed to investing in exceptional research that aims to improve the health and lives of all Australians, and we are proudly the national leading expert body in health and medical research.
Through NHMRC’s grant program that offers a diverse portfolio of schemes, we support the full spectrum of health and medical research.
For over a decade, the Development Grants scheme has supported the translation of early-stage health and medical research into commercial outcomes.
Commercialisation in Australia is evolving, as is the way NHMRC fosters research innovation. In 2026, our focus will be on developing strategic, impactful support for commercialisation that is aligned with the needs of the sector today.
The Development Grants scheme will not proceed in 2026 while we undertake an important review. The $16.6 million allocated to the scheme in 2026 will instead support critical research in the 2026 Ideas Grants round.
NHMRC is not shifting its focus away from commercialisation activities. This review will ensure that NHMRC’s activities are aligned with the National Health and Medical Research Strategy and complements Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) initiatives to support Australia’s commercialisation pipeline to achieve long term impacts.
We will be working closely with government and the health and medical research sector to develop a robust and sustainable approach to support research commercialisation. Through targeted consultation activities conducted this year, your feedback will help shape the new national approach to research commercialisation.
I appreciate that this will impact many researchers preparing grant applications. I am sharing this news early in the year to allow sufficient time for grant applicants to plan accordingly.
Please direct any questions and queries to help@nhrmc.gov.au.
Professor Steve Wesselingh
Chief Executive Officer
National Health and Medical Research Council