Improved flexibility for all Investigator Grant holders
Following sector feedback, NHMRC has improved the flexibility for all Investigator Grant CIAs who experience career disruptions during the term of their grant. From 1 January 2026, CIAs will have the option to either redirect salary funds to their grant’s RSP, or to extend the term of their grant pro-rata (salary + RSP), for up to an additional 2 years (i.e. up to a 7-year grant term).
Note that these options are not retroactive. That is, there will be no ‘back-payments’ for grant holders who reduced their FTE commitment for career disruptions prior to the implementation date. CIAs wishing to reduce their FTE for a career disruption can submit a variation request at any time following NHMRC approving the AI’s/CIA’s acceptance of their offer of a grant.
Questions relating to submission of grant variation requests, and guidance on individual circumstances should be addressed to NHMRC’s Post Award team at postaward.management@nhmrc.gov.au.
More information is available in the Investigator Grants 2026 Guidelines at section 3.3 and 12.3, available on Grant Connect (GO7711). The Grantee Variations Policy and Direct Research Costs (DRC) guidance will be updated to reflect these changes shortly.