Welcome to Tracker, the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) fortnightly newsletter with the latest information on major activities and funding opportunities.
Public consultation open for draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy
NHMRC is working closely with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to develop a National Health and Medical Research Strategy (The National Strategy). The National Strategy aims to build on Australia’s strengths in the health and medical research sector, fill any gaps, and continue to attract researchers and investors to Australia.
In August, the Minister for Health and Ageing announced the release of the draft National Strategy for public consultation.
Learn more by watching the National Health and Medical Research Strategy Chair webinar presented by Chair of the National Strategy Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM. The session was held on 1 September and is now available on the Department’s website.
There are multiple ways you can be involved in consultations:
• By making a written submission
• By making a short video
• By responding to the guiding questions in the online survey.
Before providing feedback, we invite you to read the draft National Strategy and the guiding questions for submissions [DOC.X, 198KB], both available on the Department’s consultation hub.
Submissions close on 8 October 2025.
Speaking of Science - Genetics of depression: risk and response to treatment with Dr Brittany Mitchell
One in 7 Australians will experience depression in their lifetime and the World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the number one health concern in both the developed and developing nations by 2030. And yet still 30% of people do not respond to any treatment.
With a nod to World Mental Health Day (10 October), we’re rethinking the future of how we treat mental health. Pioneering researcher into the genetics of depression, Dr Brittany Mitchell, will join us for Speaking of Science on Tuesday 14 October 2025 from 11:00AM – 12:00PM AEDT.
Dr Mitchell will discuss her research into the genetics of depression, and how she is revolutionising the future of mental health treatment.
There will be a Q&A session at the end, so we encourage you to attend and ask questions! Register on Eventbrite now.
Don't miss out on the chance to learn, engage, and connect! Be the first to know about our upcoming Speaking of Science webinars by subscribing on our website.
Consultation closing soon - Have your say on the draft revised Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research
Public consultation began in July on the draft revised Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research (the Statement), consisting of nationwide roundtables facilitated by the Kids Research Institute Australia, and an online survey.
The roundtables are now complete – thank you to everyone who has been involved and provided valuable feedback throughout this process.
There is still the opportunity to complete the online survey. Have your say on NHMRC’s consultation hub. Submissions close on 21 September 2025.
Keep up to date with the latest on consultation activities by subscribing on NHMRC’s website.
Public call for submissions: research priority areas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
We want to hear from you!
NHMRC is nearing the end of its public call asking for research priority areas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, specifically where there is a significant research knowledge gap or unmet need?
Further details and submission can be made on NHMRC’s consultation hub.
Submissions close on Monday 29 September 2025.
Invitation for public submissions - Australian Pregnancy Care and Postnatal Care guidelines
The Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal Care (LEAPP) consortium is seeking NHMRC approval under section 14A of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 for Version 8 of the Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal Care guidelines.
Consultation on draft living recommendations from both guidelines is now open until Friday 3 October 2025.
To view these recommendations and make a submission please follow the hyperlinks below.
In the Australian Pregnancy Care guidelines:
- New and updated guidance on smoking and tobacco use, including new guidance for the first time on vaping. We note the guidance on nicotine replacement therapy has changed and now recommends long lasting formulations such as patches rather than intermittent options.
- New and updated guidance on substance use.
- Updated advice on asymptomatic bacteriuria.
- Updated advice on vitamin D.
In the Australian Postnatal Care guidelines:
- New guidance for the first time on infant feeding, including breastfeeding, formula feeding and lactation suppression for those who may need it.
Find out more about the 5 year Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal Care Living Guidelines project on the LEAPP Guidelines’ website.
NHMRC-Horizon Europe grant opportunity guidelines published
NHMRC is supporting Australian researchers participating in the 2025 Horizon Europe Call for proposals for select topics.
The 2025 NHMRC—Horizon Europe Grant Guidelines are now available on GrantConnect.
Projects which involve Australia based researchers and are chosen by the European Commission for funding in 2026 may be eligible for NHMRC support.
NHMRC advises potential applicants that there are specific requirements for Australia-based researchers and their NHMRC approved Administering Institutions to be listed in the EU application.
Please refer to GrantConnect for more information.
Forecast opportunity - Centres of Research Excellence
The Centres of Research Excellence 2026 grant opportunity is anticipated to open for applications on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Potential applicants are advised to review the forecast opportunity published on GrantConnect, which has been updated to include an anticipated funding opportunity with Bowel Cancer Australia for early onset bowel cancer research through the CRE in basic science research application stream.
Please contact help@nhmrc.gov.au for further information.
Medical Research Future Fund – grant opportunities key dates
The following MRFF grant opportunities have opened for applications:
- 2025 Brain Cancer Research Grant Opportunity (GO7827)
• Minimum data due on 21 January 2026 at 17:00 (AEDT)
• Applications close on 4 February 2026 at 17:00 (AEDT).
Details on how to apply for MRFF grant opportunities and all MRFF close dates are available on GrantConnect. Applicants are reminded that only applicants who completed minimum data by the due date can submit an application. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, including limits on the number of times a person can be named as a Chief Investigator on applications submitted to a grant opportunity.
Applicants should ensure:
- their Sapphire account is active or access to Sapphire has been requested,
- their organisation is an approved MRFF Eligible Organisation before the close date, and
- any intended participating institutions are listed in Sapphire or request that a new participating institution be added by emailing help@nhmrc.gov.au, including the institution's website address (URL) and ABN (if applicable).
MRFF grant assessment committee self nomination
Register your interest to become a member of a MRFF grant assessment committee.
Key dates
Refer to Funding schemes and calendar.
Tracker
See previous editions of Tracker.
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